If the amount of money going into the war economy were invested in landscape restoration we would be in a far more positive position. It may get a little dire before we pull together but I think when the prosperous nations and in particular the U.S. realize they're wrecking their own kids' lives there will be a mass change in value.
I hope we don't get to the point where we have to have the cat stop chasing the mouse to teach him glassblowing and basket weaving.