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Efficiency gains can even very well be detrimental to resource consumption. Efficiency gains generally lead to lower cost, which in turn lead to higher demand.
by kakwa_ 3y ago
Efficiency gains can even very well be detrimental to resource consumption.
Efficiency gains generally lead to lower cost, which in turn lead to higher demand. And this increased demand can very well be in excess of the efficiency gain.
This was observed as early as the 1860ies and theorized in concepts like the Jevons Paradox/Rebound Effect.
This doesn't mean efficiency gains are not desirable, but they must be implemented in conjunction with other factors like environmental policies.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jevons_paradox https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jevons_paradox
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_effect_(conservation) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebound_effect_(conservation)
- _aavaa_ 3y agoIt's true, but that isn't a given. For example, it won't matter how cheap and efficient LEDs are, people aren't going to keep adding them to their house.
- kakwa_ 3y agoIndeed, this effect is not a given, specially if the resource is scarce to begin with. But regarding your example, personally, I'm actually kind of "keep adding light bulbs" thanks to LEDs. I'm no longer using one central 75W incandescent bulb per room, but rather 4 or 5 Philips Hue lights (bulbs & led strips) in an indirect fashion. Hue bulbs & these new usages would not have existed without the LED efficiency gains. This counter example, of course, has many flaws, firstly, it's only my specific situation, not an average case. The efficiency gains (energy and longevity) is only part of what enabled these new types of lights. And lastly, I think my energy consumption is still lower non-the-less. But it demonstrate how things might not be so clear cut.