Efficiency and the Jevons Paradox

We like to think that increases in efficiency lead to greater sustainability – to lower resource use. But from cars to computers to bitcoin, it seems the reverse is true – efficiency stimulates demand. It’s an oft forgotten rule of economics called the Jevons Paradox, and it might explain why the demand for almost everything keeps going up even while we simultaneously fret about over-consumption. Also, would you accept a parcel from a stranger, take it on the bus or train with you, and then deliver it to another stranger for a small fee?  It might sound dodgy when you put it like that, but it’s part of an emerging delivery trend call “crowdshipping”. And proponents say it’s about reducing the environmental impact of transport. 

Guests

Dr Blair Fix – Political economist, York University (Canada) 

Dr Adam Dorr – Director of Research, Rethink 

Professor Lynette Cheah – Chair of Sustainable Transport, University of the Sunshine Coast 

 Further information

Blair Fix article - A Tour of the Jevons Paradox: How Energy Efficiency Backfires

Adam Dorr’s article - Rethinking the Jevons Paradox: why more clean energy efficiency is good for the environment