The Jevons paradox and the myth of resource efficiency improvements
By: John M. Polimeni ... [et al.].
Contributors: Polimeni, John M.
Series: Earthscan research editions; Earthscan research edition
Publisher: Earthscan
Published: 2008
Place of publication: London; Sterling, VA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 184
ISBN-13: 9781844074624
Subjects: Energy consumption; Energy development; Energy policy; Natural resources -- Management
Description: "'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." "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."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.