Rebound effect and sustainability science: A review

Rebound effects have been historically studied through narrow framings which may overlook the complexity of sustainability challenges, sometimes leading to badly informed conclusions and policy recommendations. Here we present a critical literature review rebound in context science order (1) map existing research goes beyond mainstream approaches, (2) unveil classify current knowledge gaps relation science, (3) outline agenda, (4) provide base support design effective policies toward sustainable development. We analyzed accordance with seven criteria for assessment: boundary orientedness, comprehensiveness, integratedness, stakeholder involvement, scalability, strategicness, transparency. Our identified three main issues: failure address multidimensionality effects, whereby both negative positive outcomes arise simultaneously, shift absolute metrics enables contextualization its effect respect goals, general lack attention behavioral effects. conclude that addressing these issues will help gain explanatory power relevance key decision-makers. envision better alignment future could elucidate trade-offs policies, including why certain strategies such as those based on circular economy might fall short expectations, achieving goals targets development is so challenging. This crucial promoting prioritization actions concrete transition sustainability.