August 1, 2007
1 min read
Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAmOn the Rebound
Discouraging people from using more energy just because it costs less
By Linda Baker
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Economics 101 states that if prices decline, consumption will increase. Now economists are applying this law of demand to policies intended to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming. The result is called the rebound effect, and it takes place when higher consumption undercuts the energy savings produced by a given technology.
For example, a household that saves energy and money by installing better insulation may then decide it can afford to raise the thermostat during the winter. “If you invoke a program or policy that lowers the cost, people do more of that thing,” remarks Richard Newell, an energy and environmental economist at Duke University.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
