Jevons Paradox
In the New Yorker, Jevons Paradox is described as a phenomenon where “the economical use of fuel results not in diminished consumption but in an over-all increase” (Owen, 2010). The article proposed the question, if machines use less energy, will we use them more? Given the recent rain and colder temperatures, I want to turn the heat on every day. But I don’t. Our gas bill from January was ridiculous and California’s gas prices were reportedly 385% higher than average (Wanna, 2023). If we had an alternative method of heating, one that used less energy and was easier on me and roommates’ wallets, I wouldn’t hesitate to turn the heat on whenever I was chilly. Would that choice, in turn, lead to more energy being used overall? These are questions worth mulling over in any alternative energy or technology if the ultimate goal is to preserve our resources as much as possible.
Although it deals with health policy and not environmental policy, one case study from 2018 examines the intersection of treatment availability for HIV and engagement in riskier sexual behavior that could increase HIV-exposure (Friedman, 2018). Jevons paradox is evident in the research question, which asks if increasing treatment access could increase unprotected sex, and therefore HIV, in Kenya? Researchers used several difference-in-difference strategies to examine the effect of increased availability of antiretroviral drugs (ARV) on sexual behavior. After the roll-out of ARV, survey data on rates of pregnancy and riskier sexual behavior in women aged 15–18 was analyzed to conclude that ARV roll-out does shift risk-tasking. This case study demonstrated an unintended consequence from a health policy intended to have solely positive externalities. However, Friedman asserts that the benefits are overall net good, even if pregnancies and self-reported sexual behavior increases. Freidman writes, “a simulated model of different levels of ARV provision demonstrates that treatment provision can reduce new infection rates, even with the substantial increase in risk-taking estimated” (406). Nevertheless, she notes that increases in risk-taking can also lead to other diseases such as STIs or other health hazards.
The case study still demonstrated an effective method of reducing HIV infection, but the other negative externalities from increased risk-taking, such as increases of STIs, could be partially addressed through roll-outs of comprehensive protection methods/supplies and more access to sexual education materials and classes. Another study illustrated that teens in schools with comprehensive education in sexuality (CES) used more contraceptive protection (Ramírez-Villalobos et al., 2021). Through this addition to the ARV roll-out, Jevons paradox could be addressed.
Works Cited
Friedman, W. (2018, August 13). Antiretroviral drug access and behavior change. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://willafriedman.com/files/arv.pdf
Owen, D. (2010, December 13). The efficiency dilemma. The New Yorker. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/12/20/the-efficiency-dilemma
Ramírez-Villalobos, D., Monterubio-Flores, E., Gonzalez-Vazquez, T.T. et al. Delaying sexual onset: outcome of a comprehensive sexuality education initiative for adolescents in public schools. BMC Public Health 21, 1439 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11388-2
Wanna, C. (2023, February 1). California natural gas prices surge with bills 300% higher than normal. Bloomberg.com. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-01/california-natural-gas-prices-surge-with-bills-300-higher-than-normal
