In 1977, Amory Lovins published Soft Energy Paths, in which he wrote:

“Some analysts still predict economic calamity if the United States does not continue to consume twice the combined energy total for Africa, the rest of North and South America, and Asia except Japan. But what have more careful studies taught us about the scope for doing better with the energy we have? Since we can’t keep the bathtub filled because the hot water keeps running out, do we really (as Malcolm MacEwen asks) need a bigger water heater, or could we do better with a cheap, low technology plug?”

McKinsey Global Institute has released a study on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in which they pay particular attention to the concept of “energy productivity”. Richard Stuebi at Cleantech Blog has shared some thoughts on the issue.

It’s curious and a little obvious to see these ideas finally catching on. Lovins and many other policy experts at the time were at least 30 years ahead of the policy curve. It’s a clear illustration of how even in today’s world of technocratic experts, science and economics can take several decades (or more) to influence political will.

[tags]Amory Lovins, Soft Energy Paths, Energy Productivity, McKinsey Global Institute[/tags]