INDIA: The Jevons paradox is a theory that says improvements in technology that make a resource more efficient and lower its cost could, in the long run, cause more of that resource to be used. The phenomenon has important implications for sustainable development and resource management.
In the mid-19th century, economist William Stanley Jevons first described the paradox. He observed that as steam engines became more efficient and used less coal per unit of work, the demand for coal increased rather than decreased.
This rise in coal use was caused by lower prices for making energy, which made coal more accessible to a wider range of users.
The Jevons paradox can be seen in many different industries today.
For example, as cars have become more fuel-efficient, people have been able to travel further and more often, leading to an overall increase in fuel consumption.
Similarly, as LED light bulbs have become more energy-efficient, people can use more lighting in their homes and businesses.
Using more lighting devices leads to an overall increase in electricity consumption.
One of the main reasons for the Jevons paradox is the rebound effect. As the cost of a resource decreases, people can use more of it for the same amount of money.
The redistribution of resources leads to more demand as people take advantage of the lower cost.
Also, as the resource gets easier to get to and cheaper, more people can use it, which leads to a rise in consumption.
Another reason for the Jevons paradox is the income effect. As the cost of a resource decreases, people can spend less on it. Instead, it frees up money for other things.
This extra money leads to more overall consumption as people use the surplus capital to purchase more goods and services.
The Jevons paradox has important implications for sustainable development and resource management.
The paradox suggests that increasing efficiency is insufficient to achieve sustainable development goals.
It could cause more people to buy things and put more pressure on resources.
It is important to consider efficiency and behavioural and systemic changes to mitigate the Jevons paradox.
For instance, policies that encourage people to use public transportation or switch to renewable energy sources could help reduce the overall amount of resources used.
Additionally, it is crucial to consider the entire lifecycle of a product or service, from production to disposal.
By reducing waste and improving the circularity of resources, it is possible to reduce overall resource consumption and minimize the impact of the Jevons paradox.
Also Read: Simpson’s Paradox Explained: The Paradox That Flips Statistics on Its Head
