How Do You Spell JEVONS PARADOX?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɛvɒnz pˈaɹədˌɒks] (IPA)

The term "Jevons paradox" refers to the phenomenon where increased efficiency in the use of a resource results in an overall increase in its consumption. The word is pronounced /ˈdʒɛvənz ˈpærədɒks/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is named after the British economist William Stanley Jevons, who first observed the paradox in relation to coal consumption in the 19th century. Although the concept is often applied to energy and environmental issues today, it has broader implications for understanding the complex relationships between technology, consumption, and sustainability.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Basic Check Advanced Check

JEVONS PARADOX Meaning and Definition

  1. Jevons Paradox is a concept in economics and resource management that describes the counterintuitive phenomenon where increased efficiency in the use of a resource can lead to an overall increase in resource consumption rather than a decrease. It is named after the British economist William Stanley Jevons, who first observed and discussed this concept in the late 19th century.

    The paradox suggests that when technological advancements result in greater efficiency or productivity in using a resource, it tends to drive down the cost of that resource. As a result, the demand for the resource increases, offsetting the gains made from the increased efficiency. This phenomenon occurs because the lower cost makes the resource more affordable and accessible, leading to its widespread use or consumption.

    Jevons Paradox challenges the assumption that increased efficiency will automatically lead to reduced resource usage. While efficiency improvements may initially lead to resource conservation, the overall trend often shows increased consumption due to various factors, including rebound effects, increasing population, economic growth, and changing attitudes towards resource use.

    Jevons Paradox has particular relevance in the context of sustainable development and environmental conservation. It highlights the need for comprehensive and holistic approaches that consider not only technological advancements and efficiency gains but also behavioral changes, policy frameworks, and systemic transformations to achieve sustainable resource management.

Common Misspellings for JEVONS PARADOX

  • Jevons Parodox
  • Jeveons Parodox
  • Jevons Paradyox
  • Jeveons Paradyox
  • Jevons Paradoxx
  • Jeveons Paradoxx

Etymology of JEVONS PARADOX

The term "Jevons Paradox" is derived from the name of an economist named William Stanley Jevons. Jevons was a renowned British economist and logician who lived in the 19th century. He is best known for his research on the economic theory of consumption and the relationship between supply, demand, and the usage of resources.

The term "Jevons Paradox" specifically refers to a phenomenon identified by Jevons in his book "The Coal Question" published in 1865. In the book, Jevons observed that improvements in energy efficiency can paradoxically lead to an increase in total energy consumption. He noticed this pattern specifically in the context of coal usage in England during the Industrial Revolution. As coal-fired steam engines became more efficient, the overall consumption of coal increased rapidly due to its wider usage in various industries.