SEAS Events

About the Talk

The Jevons Paradox is the observation that improvements in technological efficiency can counterintuitively result in more, rather than less, overall resource use. But is it a cautionary tale? A red herring? Or just plain wrong? The idea of the Jevons Paradox - and the misconceptions surrounding it - offers a valuable lens for understanding new technology and its potential for helping us overcome our greatest environmental challenges.

About Dorr

Dr. Adam Dorr is an environmental social scientist and technology theorist whose recent publications have focused on the disruption of the global energy sector by new energy generation and storage technologies. His work also focuses on the implications of the energy, transportation, and food disruptions for climate change. He completed his MS at the University of Michigan's School for the Environment and Sustainability and his PhD at UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs. He is currently the Director of Research at RethinkX, an independent think tank. His latest book, Brighter, explores the potential of exponential technologies to change the world for the better. 

This event is being organized by the University of Michigan's Center for Sustainable Systems and the School for Environment and Sustainability.

Questions can be emailed to [email protected].