I think that very much USED to be true but is now definitely NOT the case.
We can make the switch to complete renewables, or at least make a 90+% reduction in GHG intensity. Not quickly and not without short term cost but it is finally possible without bankrupting us. At this point we are fighting inertia and monied interests who would prefer the energy status quo. Hydrocarbon energy is wildly profitable and very convenient but we shouldn't act like it's the only game in town any more.
While we're doing that, we could end bullshit jobs working for nonsense goals as well.
Also we're inheriting the infrastructure that has nonsustainability baked in and is not easy to roll back. E.g. the US with it's massive car dependence has its work cut out for it.
Some grandfathering has to happen or pricing in externalities will be too brutal and end the system that could enforce it.