Understanding IPAT Formula

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Description

This lecture introduces the IPAT formula, developed by Paul Ehrlich and John Holdren, which relates environmental impact to population, affluence, and technology. It explores how to use the formula to analyze differences in environmental impact across countries and over time, and how to determine the necessary changes in population, affluence, and technology to reduce impact. The lecture also delves into case studies on primary energy consumption in the UK and CO₂ emissions in Switzerland, showcasing the impact of population growth, GDP per capita, and energy efficiency. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and strategies for meeting Switzerland's CO₂ emissions target for 2050.

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