Jevons paradox

The rebound effect

efficiency effect rebound effect net effect
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Compute efficiencykeeps improving
Demand for AI
Compute needed
Data centers
AI capability
Total energy use
more use, more compute
build more
train bigger models
more useful
cheaper per task, so more use
less energy per task
more compute, more energy
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the scaling loop
The output, over time
demand ×22 total energy ×5.5 energy per task ÷4 time →