According to the IPAT equation, humans’ Impact on the environment (I) is a function of 3 other variables; Population (P), Affluence (A) and Technology use (T).

I = P +A + T

Hence, it can be inferred that if all 3 variables increase at the same time, Impact (I) will be the largest. I will be using this model to explain the cause of climate change; how Singapore residents have created such a negative impact on our environment.

In fact, a similar model was derived by Yoichi Kaya in 1990 – the Kaya Identity. This equation applied specifically to analyse I in terms of human Impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Refer to the diagram below to see the link between the Kaya Identity and the IPAT equation.

However, PAT is insufficient at understanding the causes of climate change in Singapore. Janssen (2002) wrote an article about the dimensions behind environmental change. He argued that that PAT are macro factors and are the result of the decisions of many agents: individuals, groups and institutions.

Hence, it is important to examine the social dimensions behind their behaviours and psychology as well. In my opinion, I feel that understanding human psychology regarding climate change is as or even more important than just PAT itself. If we have ecological mindsets, we might be able to negate the negative effects of PAT.

E.g. increase in population leads to more resource consumption, but if it leads to larger scale conservation movements, it could be beneficial in the long term. As such, a bulk of my analysis will be on the social dimensions driving climate change.