Panel data analysis on the validity of Jevons’ paradox for resource demand and material footprint

In this study, the validity of Jevons’ paradox will be analyzed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the validity of Jevons’ paradox in the context of resource demand and environmental pollution. For this purpose, the validity of Jevons’ paradox in eleven countries with the highest material productivity (United States of America, China, Germany, Japan, Iran, Russia, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, India, South Korea) for the period 1992–2022 is tested by panel data analysis. Two different models are constructed. The first model aims to determine whether the increases in resource efficiency and technological development increase the demand for resources. Here, material intensity is used as the dependent variable to indicate resource demand. GDP per capita, industrialization, material productivity, and technological development were as independent variables. In the second model, Jevons’ paradox is tested for environmental pollution. Material footprint is used as the dependent variable, serving of environmental pollution. Again, the variables listed for the first model were included in the model as independent variables. As a result of the panel data analysis, it is concluded that Jevons’ paradox is valid for both resource demand and environmental pollution in the period between 1992 and 2022 in these countries.