Why the AI world is suddenly obsessed with a 160-year-old economics paradox

Understanding the intricacies of energy efficiency can be a complex task, particularly when discussing Jevons Paradox. This concept illustrates a counterintuitive reality: as technology improves and resource efficiency increases, consumption of that resource often rises instead of falls. It raises important questions about our approach to sustainability. This primer will help clarify the paradox and its implications, shedding light on why better efficiency doesn’t always lead to reduced consumption and what that means for our energy future.