I like your comment from a moral perspective, which is that we really should really be diverting this type of creative energy into reducing energy consumption (wastage?) rather than finding ways of fueling existing consumption levels.
However, from a practical perspective, I do think that ideas such as vertical farming are a step in the right direction for a host of other reasons, assuming that the energy issue gets solved.
Vertical farming seems better for the environment since we're not taking down more forests to claim farm land. It also seems like a great idea for developing societies that can't meet base consumption levels. I'm sure there are other great reasons too, but my point is that this type of thinking certainly turns the wheel towards the direction you're pointing to.
However, from a practical perspective, I do think that ideas such as vertical farming are a step in the right direction for a host of other reasons, assuming that the energy issue gets solved.
Vertical farming seems better for the environment since we're not taking down more forests to claim farm land. It also seems like a great idea for developing societies that can't meet base consumption levels. I'm sure there are other great reasons too, but my point is that this type of thinking certainly turns the wheel towards the direction you're pointing to.