Can technology save the planet? This article explores the evolving interpretations of the IPAT equation, which relates environmental impact (I) to population (P), affluence (A), and technology (T). Devised in the early 1970s by Ehrlich and Holdren, the IPAT equation has served as a framework for understanding the drivers of environmental impact. The article tracks the various forms this equation has taken over 30 years. The review examines a shift toward a more optimistic view of technology’s role in sustainability. The IPAT equation determined which single variable was the most damaging to the environment. Industrial ecology reverses this usage, recognizing that technology systems can balance increases in population and affluence by improving the environment, potentially reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable development. Understanding this evolving perspective is essential for crafting effective environmental strategies in the face of ongoing global challenges.
Published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology, this article is well-suited for the journal's focus on the environmental performance of industrial systems. By examining the IPAT equation and its variants, the paper contributes to discussions on sustainable development and the role of technology in minimizing environmental impact.