The negative impact of climate change on the planet is a constant concerning topic of conversation. The solution may be found in energy efficiency and the promotion and creation of greener fuels along with lower energy use at all levels of civilization. The knowledge already exists that is needed to make gains in energy efficiency and by applying known technologies to lower energy use could have a large impact in reducing greenhouse effects, and turn the tide on climate change.

The UN Panel on Climate Change along with the International Energy Agency constantly promotes energy efficiency as an important tool toward reducing the effects of climate change. Unfortunately, evidence shows that new energy technologies by themselves aren’t able to reduce emissions enough and are likely to lead to higher energy use instead.
A recent study showed that energy efficient lighting although more energy efficient than older light bulbs has lead to their higher overall usage, this in turn uses more energy. This is known as an energy rebound effect and negates the advantages of energy efficieny. The conclusion is that more energy efficiency and use of resources to produce energy will actually increase the demand; this will no doubt be surprising to many.

In a capitalist economy this can be viewed as a good thing, endless growth is constantly sought and needed to generate profits. For example, more efficient energy production means greater profits for power stations as they can sell more energy while maintaining the same inputs. The lower cost of energy production through energy efficiency actually spurs economic growth and this tends to outstrip their original energy efficiency gains causing an energy rebound effect.
So the question arises, if then energy efficiency is counterproductive through an energy rebound effect, then what is the answer to address the problems caused by climate change? Decreasing energy use on a global scale is vital, but just part of the solution. To solve the problem of climate change replacing fossil fuel with green renewable energy, coupled with energy efficiency is the long term answer to counter the negative effects of climate change.