We're in the Opposite Trap at the Moment

We've not had a true breakthrough in science since quanti mechanics. We can't imagine that the climate crisis could disrupt our food supply to the point where billion people starve. So i think we're in the opposite trap at the moment. But what are the other engines? Is it early stage investing from governments, when the project has a ten and 20 year r o i that the private stite won't getto? Is foundational research?