I think things are pointing in a realistic positive direction. But change takes time. Time for people to adjust and except the changes that need to be made. The biggest problem "jokes aside" is getting people to except the new. One thing I learned during the pandemic is you CANNOT tell or make anyone do anything they'll only freak out if you try.
Let's take the electric vehicle for example, they have an unfavorable reputation amongst most car people in the U.S. . Car companies are trying to change that and making them appealing. https://youtu.be/Y3846KFDmFQ This video is how you convince a car guy electric cars maybe aren't that bad.:D

The great thing about adaptation is that it’s about integration and holism. You can build a new neighborhood from scratch but have greenery, water retention, create a plus for biodiversity, create a more attractive environment to live in, increase value of real estate.

What still happens a lot now is strategies in environmentalism are one-dimensional and purely focussing on energy, and energy landscapes are very difficult to combine with biodiversity goals and liveability. Actually, they are often in direct conflict. There’s still a very technical engineering mindset, and that’s still very human centred and one-dimensional. It deals only with things that can be immediately measured.

A shift towards adaptation is IMO the desirable step in environmentalism.

Oh I don't disagree with the last idea but achieving that shift may still require a sea change in global approach. Such changes aren't all that common.....