I'm definitely aware of the possibility of collapse, but think it necessary to recognize that there could be enough sloughs to mitigate the main avalanche; enough tremors to prevent a mega-thrust earthquake. Figuratively, a few buildings collapse but these are cleaned up, the space re-purposed, and life continues until the next shakeup, rinse and repeat. It could be "The Long Transition" for those with short attention spans, the average easily distracted inhabitant of the "fantasy multiverse."
If I were a power leader, I'm thinking "We don't want to stampede the herd with too much change, let's try to manage transition over time and allow a shift to the new normal." I think that is the best case scenario to be hoped for; certainly pain is involved, but more of a need for a Advil than morphine. Indeed the unsustainable will not last, but sustainability may have "momentum"…energy use is gradually limited to more and more vital purposes, and from more varied sources; flippant energy waste just becomes unaffordable and resources are used more carefully, then reused. It is stressful waiting for "craziness" to arrive. My thoughts of late are that one should prepare for ugly changes as much as possible while recognizing that change might come pretty slowly.
Thanks, Jim, I always enjoy your pondering your thoughts.