"In the absence of such action it will be down to economic forces and probably Nature to implement such changes...and they are unlikely to be subtle."

What is needed to deal with the impending crises of Peak Oil and Climate Change, is a paradigm shaft in the thinking of western governments, which will only by brought about by overwhelming pressure from the public or economic circumstances.  

The "paradigm shift" needed is of a type which, ironically, was exemplified by the science of geology in the 1960's.  The centuries-old belief in fixed continents was eventually pushed aside by overwhelming evidence in favour of the plate tectonics theory (i.e. continents move, oceans open and close).  The resistance to adoption on the new theory was huge at first and there was much denial and alternative interpretations of new facts and findings.  Eventually, the new theory became accepted when it was no longer possible to  do business - teaching, research, mineral prospecting - under the old system.  

My feeling is that much the same would be needed with peak oil and climate change.  The changes needed will only be made when "business as usual" collapses - implying economic  depression, energy shortages, food shortages, etc.  Not an alluring prospect.