Environment & Energy
Showing Original Post only (View all)The Jevons Paradox is bullshit. [View all]
In case you haven't been following the recent wave of posts, the Jevons Paradox suggests that "technological progress that increases the efficiency with which a resource is used tends to increase (rather than decrease) the rate of consumption of that resource."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jevons%27_paradox
Although it periodically gets spanked by a new study, a brief perusal of World Bank data for per capita energy use puts it to bed: in 1980, Americans used the equivalent of 7,942 kg of oil per capita. Thirty-two years later, with all of their iPhones, flat-screen TVs, iPads, iMacs, PCs, printers, PS3s, X-Boxes, Escalades, Kindles, Sub-Zero refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, ATVs, Jet-Skis, boats, etc etc etc - we used 7,069 kg/person. 11% less, thanks to increases in energy efficiency in both use and production, as well as lifestyles which are more energy-efficient.
http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/EG.USE.PCAP.KG.OE
The resource-related problems we face are the result of overpopulation. I know that will bum some out who are convinced an innate, lustful craving for energy is driving us to extinction...but there is hope.
Sorry.