But looking back at our history, one should also keep in mind that it did take hundreds of years for Europe to recover from the fall of the Roman Empire.
'Innovation will fix things eventually' is cold comfort for the generations of people living in the interim.
Yes. But why? Multiple episodes of 'the Plague' and climate swings (probably caused by volcanic eruptions somewhere else).
edit: I mean, look at what is happening now. All sorts of disruptions because of some sneezery (regardless of real or imagined danger, it's the policy that matters). Now imagine further disruptions by volcanic ash particles and gases in the atmosphere. So F-ed!
'Innovation will fix things eventually' is cold comfort for the generations of people living in the interim.