I think that the world is headed for some form of collapse.  It might have to deal with energy in the sense that I believe it is due to the rising population.  Rising population is projected to put more of a strain on water resources than climate change according to most models.  If this can make such a drastic impact on water resources, imagine the strain on other resources such as energy and food.

I do not agree with the statement that "allocation of resources to research and development can solve our problems."  Yes, research is always a good thing and can help to improve life and how we live it day-to-day, but I believe it may also cause more harm than good.  If a point is reached that most agree is very advanced and efficient, what incentive is there for continue to improve?  We will eventually reach a point of complacency or develop something that we as a species are not ready for and end up destroying ourselves.  Either way, I see it as a lose-lose scenario.


 http://www.unwater.org/statistics_san.html