Over here in the energy industry (I'm in Houston), people are also betting heavily on vastly improved battery power. It is quite likely that there will be a tremendous improvement in hybrid-powered autos within the next 10-15 years . . . or less. There could also be extensive applications in the home.

On a related note, I've always believed that the solution to our resource issues isn't necessarily a return to post-Depression austerity, particularly with regard to travel. There's just too many people and too much interest in it to go back. Technology will eventually quiet the "can't do" naysayers.