What is Jevon’s Paradox?

Jevon’s paradox describes how a more efficient use of one resource can actually result in the opposite: an increase in use of that particular resource. In 1992, Harry Saunders built on Jevon’s paradox and said “energy efficiency gains will increase consumption above where it would be without these gains”. Efficiency alone is not enough to reduce the overall consumption of energy, but needs to be employed in conjunction with policies that limit the use of energy as well.

Categories Economic Concepts

Biden’s Climate Team

- Joe Biden made it clear throughout his campaign and after entering office that tackling the global climate crisis was a key focus for his government. - As president, he outlined a new approach to the climate crisis in an Executive Order released on January 27th.  This established multiple new climate-related roles in the Executive Office of the President and integrated officials from other departments into the drive to curb environmental degradation. - In this article, Marion Willingam discusses what this means for the US’ renewed commitments to tackling the climate crisis.