Efficiency and the Rebound Effect in the Hegemonic Discourse on Energy

Franco Ruzzenenti*, Aleksandra Wagner

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    15 Citations (Scopus)
    74 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The aim of the article is to discuss the unintended consequences of energy efficiency, in the context of defuturization, by addressing the phenomenon of the rebound effect. The energy discourse is presented as ideological discourse protecting the status quo, even if it contemplates alternatives solutions. The interpretation of energy efficiency in the light of the Luhmannian concept of temporal structures in the modern society is proposed, and two types of expert narratives on the rebound effect are outlined: the mechanistic rebound effect and the systemic Jevons paradox. Finally, we explain why none of them are noticeably reflected in public discourse on energy policy and are limited to the scientific milieu.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)356-377
    Number of pages22
    JournalNature and Culture
    Volume13
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec-2018

    Keywords

    • defuturization
    • energy efficiency
    • futurization
    • hegemonic discourse
    • rebound effect
    • FALLACIES

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Efficiency and the Rebound Effect in the Hegemonic Discourse on Energy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this