I PAT

From Free net encyclopedia

I=PAT

Impact (I) on the natural environment equals the product of population (P), affluence (A) (or per capita income) and technology (T).

This describes how our growing population, affluence, and technological resources contribute toward our environment, both positively and negatively.

The equation is associated with Paul Ehrlich.

It is often considered an oversimplified method that takes little consideration of other factors which affect a populations impact on the environment.