In the vast majority of these cases, we're currently using up some of our light grey balls, while we've already drawn ten more slightly greyer balls, just sitti

In the vast majority of these cases, we're currently using up some of our light grey balls, while we've already drawn ten more slightly greyer balls, just sitting ready to be used. We can make batteries without cobalt. We can make energy without (significant) oil. We can grow food in towers efficiently. We'll do all of these if we need to, because they're better than just rolling over and deciding that technology just isn't worth it. Many of the balls waiting are even whiter than the ones we're currently using! Yes, eventually we will find our hands empty for resource solutions. I do not expect it to be in my lifetime, whether it end by old age or nuclear fire.