This is also related to the "hardening of demand": If you squeeze the inefficiencies out of the system, then there are fewer opportunities to squeeze out inefficiencies when a crisis occurs. In my view, this is the situation that Europe is in right now: There's plenty of enthusiasm for green power, green transportation, local food sources, etc., but little margin for absorbing a short-term shortage. We in the U.S. may have a slight tactical advantage because of our inefficiency, which will allow us to absorb short-term shortages more easily.

In any case, there needs to be a very significant reduction in the world's population, and it's going to come, sooner or later. However, discussion of the topic is not politically correct.