Its funny you should mention the steam engine. It made the Industrial Revolution possible, destroying civilization as it was known in the 19th century. Which as you pointed out WAS collapsing.
That is Exactly the kind of shake up I think the world needs, a change in the paradigm of life. A Mr.Fusion, Zero Point Modules, 80+% PV cells, any and all, or nothing, would cause a new Revolution, as our current civilization collapses and something new takes it's place.
I still get warm fuzzies either way, paradigm shift or extinction (yes, unlikely, highly), doesn't really matter to me. I'll probably be dead in less than 40 years anyway.
If you haven't already seen them,
"Connections" and
The Day The Universe Changed are well worth watching. IMNSHO.
_