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

Louise Ellegaard Fich, Silvia Viola, Niclas Scott Bentsen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)
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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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number5821
JournalEnergies
Volume15
Issue number16
Number of pages3
ISSN1996-1073
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • SDGs
  • sustainability
  • energy efficiency
  • Jevons Paradox
  • energy rebound

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