Energy efficiency plays a key role in policies designed to mitigate climate change, but 'rebound effects' suggest that increases in energy efficiency may in fact increase overall energy use. The implication is that a large component of climate change policy - and one that is generally viewed as an 'easy win' - may not deliver. Steven Sorrell, senior fellow at SPRU, looks at the potential flaws in current thinking on energy efficiency.rnTo avoid dangerous climate change, it will be necessary to reduce, or at least curtail the growth, of global energy demand. It is generally assumed that this can be achieved by improving energy efficiency throughout the economy. Numerous policies are directed towards this end, such as subsidizing insulation materials, labeling domestic appliances, banning the sale of incandescent light bulbs and tightening building regulations.
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