Rebound effect
- Variable relationship:
The rebound effect describes a situation in which the use of a new technology designed to potentially help conserve a commons (such as drip irrigation or enhancements in energy efficiency) ends up leading to an increased use of the commons (Technology Role), thus leading to a deterioration in the condition of this commons (Commons Condition Trend) (Pfeiffer and Lin 2014). This may occur if the increased conservation makes the commons less expensive and thereby increases overall demand for the commons, which though indeed increases efficiency, may also increase overall use. This trend is also referred to as Jevon's paradox (Jevons 1906; Alcott 2005), where it has mostly been discussed in the energy efficiency sector.
- Project
- SESMAD
- Sector(s)
- Scientific Field
- Component Type(s)
- Natural Resource Unit
- Status
- Public
Variables
| Variable | Role | Role Explanation | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology role | Underlying independent variable | The use of new technology increases the efficiency and productivity of the use of a commons. | Increased productivity |
| Technology role | Proximate independent variable | The use of a new technology may initially cause increased conservation for a given level of use, but ultimately is predicted to lead to increased commons use over time as it makes a given level of use less expensive to users. | Increased commons use |
| Commons condition trend | Final outcome | As a result of being used more, the condition of the commons is predicted to deteriorate. | Worsened |
Related Theories
| Theory | Relationship | Characterizing Variables |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental kuznets curve | contradictory | |
| Technical solutions and shifting the burden | related | |
| Borlaug hypothesis and deforestation | contradictory |