Jevons Paradox

QUOTE

Frank Herbert once said…

“The more efficient a force, the more effectively it can be applied to work against itself.”

(American author.)

CONCEPT

Jevons Paradox

Jevons Paradox proposes that as technology increases the efficiency with which a resource is used, the rate of consumption of that resource actually increases rather than decreases.

This counterintuitive phenomenon occurs because the increased efficiency makes the resource more accessible and cost-effective, leading to a broader adoption and increased overall demand.

Jevons Paradox highlights the unintended consequences of technological improvements.

STORY

Burn Less Fuel … To Burn More?

In the mid-1970s, the United States experienced a significant advancement in engine technology.

Fuel-efficient cars were introduced, promising to reduce gasoline consumption. This was a response to the 1973 oil crisis, where oil prices had skyrocketed, causing an economic shockwave.

The new, more fuel-efficient cars were an immediate hit.

They were designed to use less gasoline per mile, which logically should have led to a decrease in the total amount of gasoline used. However, the outcome was not as straightforward as anticipated.

As these fuel-efficient cars became more popular, people began to drive more. The reduced cost of driving each mile encouraged longer commutes and increased the overall use of cars for travel. Additionally, the affordability and convenience of these efficient cars led to an increase in the number of vehicles on the road.

The result was an interesting illustration of Jevons Paradox.

Despite individual cars using less gasoline, the total gasoline consumption in the United States did not decrease as expected—it actually increased. The improved efficiency made driving more accessible and economical, which in turn raised the total demand for gasoline.

This scenario in the 1970s is a classic example of how technological advancements, while solving one problem, can lead to unexpected outcomes.