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Jevons Paradox: Sustainable Development Goals and Energy Rebound in Complex Economic Systems

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  • Louise Ellegaard Fich

    (Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, DK-1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
    Louise Ellegaard Fich and Silvia Viola have contributed equally to the manuscript and should both be acknowledged as first authors.)

  • Silvia Viola

    (Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, DK-1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
    Louise Ellegaard Fich and Silvia Viola have contributed equally to the manuscript and should both be acknowledged as first authors.)

  • Niclas Scott Bentsen

    (Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, DK-1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark)

Abstract

Jevons Paradox has fundamental implications on sustainable development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paradox states that technological improvements aiming to increase the energy efficiency risk causing a rebound effect, and an increase in demand, production, and resource exploitation. Third world countries undergoing early-stage technological development may be particularly vulnerable, but it is also relevant in complex economic systems, where policymaking on climate and energy building on insufficient knowledge and attention to rebound effects can impair the desired outcome in terms of climate change mitigation, resource use and sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Louise Ellegaard Fich & Silvia Viola & Niclas Scott Bentsen, 2022. "Jevons Paradox: Sustainable Development Goals and Energy Rebound in Complex Economic Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-3, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:16:p:5821-:d:885282
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rachel Freeman & Mike Yearworth & Chris Preist, 2016. "Revisiting Jevons’ Paradox with System Dynamics: Systemic Causes and Potential Cures," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 20(2), pages 341-353, April.
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    4. Holm, Stig-Olof & Englund, Göran, 2009. "Increased ecoefficiency and gross rebound effect: Evidence from USA and six European countries 1960-2002," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 68(3), pages 879-887, January.
    5. Font Vivanco, David & Kemp, René & van der Voet, Ester, 2016. "How to deal with the rebound effect? A policy-oriented approach," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 114-125.
    6. Francesco Fuso Nerini & Julia Tomei & Long Seng To & Iwona Bisaga & Priti Parikh & Mairi Black & Aiduan Borrion & Catalina Spataru & Vanesa Castán Broto & Gabrial Anandarajah & Ben Milligan & Yacob Mu, 2018. "Mapping synergies and trade-offs between energy and the Sustainable Development Goals," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 10-15, January.
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