Thesis: This thesis examines the conditions for the realization of a decarbonized and sustainable industrial civilization by studying certain aspects of its physical feasibility and political acceptability. Chapter 1 studies the evolution of the Energy Return On Investment in different prospective scenarios, and predicts that the overall efficiency of the electricity sector to supply a net energy surplus would be halved in a 100% renewable scenario. Chapter 2 highlights the importance of metal recyclability in a model of optimal extraction of metals and fossil fuels for energy production. The annex to Chapter 2 extends the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker theorem to the case of a convex series under a finite number of constraints. Chapters 3 and 4 are based on a survey of a representative sample of three thousand French people, carried out during the Yellow vests movement. Chapter 3 examines beliefs about a carbon "tax & dividend", a measure touted to combat climate change because of its effectiveness and progressivity. If 70% reject the tax & dividend, it is because of pessimistic perceptions about its properties: in contradiction with the micro-simulations, most believe that their household would lose purchasing power with the reform, perceive it as regressive, and inefficient to reduce pollution and fight climate change. Chapter 4 analyses knowledge, perceptions and values related to climate change, examines opinions on carbon taxation and assesses support for other climate policies.