Energy savings in UK households could be up to 30% lower than previously thought, jeopardising efforts to cut the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions.
The UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) blamed the miscalculation on “rebound effects” from energy-saving measures.
As people cut their bills by using more efficient devices, they tend to spend the extra money buying additional goods that cancel out some of the savings.
BBC News website: UK energy savings ‘miscalculated’
Lawrie says
Surely the solution is obvious.
Make energy so expensive say by imposing a Carbon Tax so all that spare dosh is used up in just keeping body and soul together.
Simple and so appealing to all Gorebull Warbleists
Anthony says
Carbon budgets/quotas would help get around this, although you might get a black market for carbon emerging.
SJT says
Are you saying that a market based solution is inadequate, and we need a social based solution?
Paul Biggs says
The solution required is alternative, secure low CO2 energy sources rather than communism by another name.
Luke says
Compared to the current fascism of the denialists and Exxon who are underminers, anti-choice, anti-diversity and monopolists.
Anthony says
it doesn’t matter what you call it. I think that to overcome the equity issues and perverse incentives you need to give people carbon budgets. It’s not about political ideology Paul, its about solving the problem efficiently and equitably.
chrisgo says
‘…Paul, its about solving the problem efficiently and equitably.’
What problem?