Why focus on efficiency?
Efficiency has become a popular measure in many of the policy areas of the European Union, including energy policy, the circular economy and climate policy. However, despite its ubiquitous use, the term efficiency is surrounded by considerable confusion. Indeed, in some cases improvements in efficiency may lead to increased consumption. This edition of The Nexus Times enters in the current debate on efficiency targets with a critical analysis of the term efficiency and its related paradoxes.
In this edition, you will find two articles that discuss the efficiency paradox from different points of view, highlighting some of the challenges that efficiency targets may pose for the governance of the water-energy-food nexus. We also take you through the historical origins and development of the concept of efficiency, and talk about how this concept is used in two of the policy areas that MAGIC is analyzing: energy policy and the circular economy.
These articles are intended to generate a discussion on the use of the term efficiency in setting policy goals. We welcome any comments and contributions to the discussion, including article contributions. To get in touch, please use our discussion forum or write to us.
We hope you enjoy this latest edition of The Nexus Times!
Kind regards,
The MAGIC Nexus team.
Table of Contents
- VIDEO: The paradox of energy efficiency
- The paradox of efficiency: Can uncertainty be governed?
- Paradox or Paradigm? A deeper discussion about societal goals
- Is renewable energy efficient?
- From religous concept to industrial tool
- The circular economy: A new efficiency paradox?