It is definitely within society's capability to (more or less) unite behind common purpose, based on ideals and values that are not consumption driven. In fact

It is definitely within society's capability to (more or less) unite behind common purpose, based on ideals and values that are not consumption driven. In fact the modern materialistic lifestyle is probably an exception rather than historical rule. For most of history religious beliefs were uniting people and creating solace despite the more arduous existence. The uniqueness of our condition is the scale of required change (global, spanning both avid consumer populations and deprived ones), the speed of required change (a few decades), the complex interplay with technological solutions and the rigidity/monoculture of economic systems. Not clear how all this will play out.