# Jevon’s paradox

First known from Wardley Maps, here is the latest ref

<figure><img src="https://2905879428-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MS2xefUFfUTrhwFW_o3%2Fuploads%2FXkkWNp58PmKUH6MJyOZN%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0251aa8d-9798-4292-9040-ad31215c4ef0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTfwhbfMnNc>" %}
[Jevons Paradox & The Rebound Effect](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTfwhbfMnNc)
{% endembed %}

> **AI Overview**
>
> Jevons paradox is an economic theory stating that increased efficiency in using a resource can lead to increased, rather than decreased, overall consumption of that resource. Named after economist [William Stanley Jevons](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=5b71cfa89013eb9f\&rlz=1C5CHFA_enSG951SG953\&sxsrf=AE3TifOZipHTNefRlpw60hENkUTTG7EdPQ%3A1757930383678\&q=William+Stanley+Jevons\&sa=X\&ved=2ahUKEwjah7yAwdqPAxVSxzgGHTHIAwwQxccNegQILBAB\&mstk=AUtExfA4xJywA_9IKQoI48pDsVcOJrT0cqG-JMZ6Tpx_3QKwxeCWXhtcto4pl9cQpuMeDkMVFODN27hgncKoMxiFjU1otBKt6ShUI1ErdJt5CFMk7EEfedjyb6AOP-F6LYEv_ff1rYChW6KLJX4a2Yd34rhG5zhkj3aUqsGpv_Jmywke-77wZbS7t8nTJJujz3r7dcIaJ2767lRzYOyn4fXpXW_pelXT_mpGIKIWk-QmwvtGFwbUlYcBLhlMArOTh31h8s11U18JvrxH1Sj-v5donhTj\&csui=3), this occurs because efficiency improvements lower the cost per unit of the resource, which stimulates greater demand and potentially new uses, ultimately increasing total consumption. A classic example is how more efficient steam engines led to increased coal use because it made coal a cheaper energy source, driving broader industrial growth. &#x20;
>
> How it Works
>
> 1. **1. Technological Progress & Efficiency:**&#x41; new technology is developed that makes it more efficient to use a resource.&#x20;
> 2. **2. Lower Costs:**&#x54;he increased efficiency makes the resource cheaper to use per unit of output.&#x20;
> 3. **3. Increased Demand:**&#x42;ecause it's cheaper, more people and industries begin using the resource, and existing users consume more of it.&#x20;
> 4. **4. Overall Consumption Rises:**&#x54;he increased demand from broader use and new applications can outweigh the efficiency gains per unit, leading to a higher total consumption of the resource.&#x20;
>
> Example: Steam Engines and Coal
>
> * **The Innovation:** [James Watt](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=5b71cfa89013eb9f\&rlz=1C5CHFA_enSG951SG953\&sxsrf=AE3TifOZipHTNefRlpw60hENkUTTG7EdPQ%3A1757930383678\&q=James+Watt\&sa=X\&ved=2ahUKEwjah7yAwdqPAxVSxzgGHTHIAwwQxccNegUIlQEQAQ\&mstk=AUtExfA4xJywA_9IKQoI48pDsVcOJrT0cqG-JMZ6Tpx_3QKwxeCWXhtcto4pl9cQpuMeDkMVFODN27hgncKoMxiFjU1otBKt6ShUI1ErdJt5CFMk7EEfedjyb6AOP-F6LYEv_ff1rYChW6KLJX4a2Yd34rhG5zhkj3aUqsGpv_Jmywke-77wZbS7t8nTJJujz3r7dcIaJ2767lRzYOyn4fXpXW_pelXT_mpGIKIWk-QmwvtGFwbUlYcBLhlMArOTh31h8s11U18JvrxH1Sj-v5donhTj\&csui=3)'s improved steam engine made coal a more efficient fuel source.&#x20;
> * **The Paradox:** Instead of coal consumption decreasing, its use skyrocketed.&#x20;
> * **The Reason:** The lower cost of energy from more efficient engines spurred economic growth and the development of new industries and transportation, which required vast amounts of coal.&#x20;
>
> Modern Implications
>
> * **Digital Technology:**&#x45;ven though individual computers and data centers are more efficient, the explosion in their numbers and usage has led to a substantial increase in overall energy demand.&#x20;
> * **Fuel-Efficient Cars:**&#x43;heaper-to-run vehicles might encourage people to drive more miles or buy more cars, increasing total fuel consumption despite the better mileage per mile.&#x20;
> * [**LED Lighting**](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=5b71cfa89013eb9f\&rlz=1C5CHFA_enSG951SG953\&sxsrf=AE3TifOZipHTNefRlpw60hENkUTTG7EdPQ%3A1757930383678\&q=LED+Lighting\&sa=X\&ved=2ahUKEwjah7yAwdqPAxVSxzgGHTHIAwwQxccNegQIfxAB\&mstk=AUtExfA4xJywA_9IKQoI48pDsVcOJrT0cqG-JMZ6Tpx_3QKwxeCWXhtcto4pl9cQpuMeDkMVFODN27hgncKoMxiFjU1otBKt6ShUI1ErdJt5CFMk7EEfedjyb6AOP-F6LYEv_ff1rYChW6KLJX4a2Yd34rhG5zhkj3aUqsGpv_Jmywke-77wZbS7t8nTJJujz3r7dcIaJ2767lRzYOyn4fXpXW_pelXT_mpGIKIWk-QmwvtGFwbUlYcBLhlMArOTh31h8s11U18JvrxH1Sj-v5donhTj\&csui=3)**:**&#x43;heaper, more efficient LED bulbs can lead to more lighting being used in homes and businesses, such as lighting outdoor spaces, leading to higher overall energy consumption.&#x20;

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<figure><img src="https://2905879428-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MS2xefUFfUTrhwFW_o3%2Fuploads%2FaZmIQUJmdEcGzCneyJgb%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f2e8ef0d-d0f1-4018-9126-ae8b396a30f9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
