The Myth of Resource Efficiency The Jevons Paradox

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Synopsis

'The Jevons Paradox', which was first expressed in 1865 by William Stanley Jevons in relation to use of coal, states that an increase in efficiency in using a resource leads to increased use of that resource rather than to a reduction. This has subsequently been proved to apply not just to fossil fuels, but other resource use scenarios. For example, doubling the efficiency of food production per hectare over the last 50 years (due to the Green Revolution) did not solve the problem of hunger. The increase in efficiency increased production and worsened hunger because of the resulting increase in population. The implications of this in today's world are substantial. Many scientists and policymakers argue that future technological innovations will reduce consumption of resources; the Jevons Paradox explains why this may be a false hope.

This is the first book to provide a historical overview of the Jevons Paradox, provide evidence for its existence and apply it to complex systems. Written and edited by world experts in the fields of economics, ecological economics, technology and the environment, it explains the myth of efficiency and explores its implications for resource usage (particularly oil). It is a must-read for policymakers, natural resource managers, academics and students concerned with the effects of efficiency on resource use.

Book details

Series:
Earthscan Research Editions
Author:
John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
ISBN:
9781317705253
Related ISBNs:
9781844078134, 9781138422971, 9781315781358
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Pages:
200
Reading age:
Not specified
Includes images:
Yes
Date of addition:
2023-09-24
Usage restrictions:
Copyright
Copyright date:
2009
Copyright by:
John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro and Blake Alcott, 2 
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Categories:
Business and Finance, Nonfiction