The Myth of Resource Efficiency

The Jevons Paradox

Business & Finance, Industries & Professions, Industries
Cover of the book The Myth of Resource Efficiency by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott ISBN: 9781317705253
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: December 8, 2015
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
ISBN: 9781317705253
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: December 8, 2015
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

'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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

'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.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Education Matters by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Last Writes by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Martial Arts and the Body Politic in Meiji Japan by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Time, Space, and Place in Charlotte Brontë by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book The Routledge Companion to Media Technology and Obsolescence by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Mobile Multimedia in Action by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Designs for Democratic Stability: Studies in Viable Constitutionalism by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Democracy and Myth in Russia and Eastern Europe by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Organisational Prosecutions by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Crossover Picturebooks by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Managing Fiscal Decentralization by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book The Oral and the Written in Early Islam by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Economics of Forestry by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Social Policy for Effective Practice by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
Cover of the book Lords and Towns in Medieval Europe by John M. Polimeni, Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampietro, Blake Alcott
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy