I really like the simplicity of the example.
However I am not agree that answer is yes to both.
The same consciousness which created the problem can not be used to find the solution. In my opinion, it is an illusion that technology advancement can create a solution for the problems caused by technology.
I don’t see technology as some “other.” It’s a tool we use and how we use it is an extension of ourselves. If we inadvertently design technology to harm the environment, then it’s up to us to address that. Often the solution to an inferior tool is a better tool. There are some tools that should never be used (hence the questions in my article), nukes being one example, but that doesn’t mean we should reject all tools.