> limiting energy use is vital to avoid climate catastrophe.

This is what I have issue with. Energy use benefits humanity. Full stop.

If you said civilization needs bananas to survive and flourish, then some good samaritan came along and said "I will always buy any leftover bananas you can't sell no matter where or when you grow them", you would get many more banana farms, people experimenting with new banana growing/harvesting technology, etc. It's an undeniable benefit if your goal is to produce more bananas.