The quantum of human impacts is given by:

The formula I = P x A x T represents the relationship known as the IPAT equation, which is used to quantify the impact of human activities on the environment. In this equation:

• I stands for Environmental Impact.

• P represents Population, which refers to the number of people in a given area.

• A signifies Affluence, which typically is measured in terms of consumption per person—essentially, how much resources each person consumes.

• T stands for Technology, which encompasses the efficiency and environmental impact of the technology used in production and consumption.

The product of these three factors—population, affluence, and technology—helps to estimate the overall impact of human activities on the environment. This model underscores the fact that environmental impact is not simply a matter of population size; it also incorporates levels of consumption and the types of technology employed. Enhanced understanding of this relationship aids in implementing strategies for sustainable development and mitigating human impacts on ecosystems.

Other formulations provided do not capture the multiplicative nature of these factors and thus do not accurately describe how human impacts on the environment are quantified.