We've done it before. Human history is filled with examples of creative energy when we need it. Applying boundary conditions in the natural world creates a focusing energy that can have amazing results. A recent example is the explosion of renewable and energy efficient technologies that emerged from the oil crisis in the 1970s. We were forced to change by the oil crisis.
Evolution is punctuated equilibrium, it flourishes when new boundary conditions are imposed.
Something happened during the oil crisis, it was not something we controlled but very quickly it brought us in touch with our limits. The story that is not being told is that we were very creative when those boundary conditions were imposed. Similar innovation could be inspired by the need to reduce greenhouse gases and conversion to alternative fuels. If we could only recognize the boundary conditions we're up against. Today our limits are masked by government subsidies.