Unit 9 - Approaches to Integrated Assessment Modeling: Scenario Analysis

Question 1

What are the three main stages that IMAGE 2.2 processes information through?

Answer 1

• Input factors (GDP, population changes)
• Environmental systems analysis
• Impact assessment

Question 2

What is the key strength of the IMAGE 2.2 model?

Answer 2

Answer: The incorporation of feedback loops between different components and integration of multiple impact assessment models

Question 3

Name three aspects that can be simulated in integrated assessment models related to climate change.

Answer 3

Answer: Any three of:
- CO2 emissions
- CO2 concentrations
- SO2 emissions
- Temperature change
- Sea level rise
- Vegetation changes

Question 4

What are the three main systems combined in IMAGE 2.2?

Answer 4

• Population modeling (Phoenix)
• World Economy (WorldScan)
• Energy demand and supply (TIMER)

Question 5

What recent developments in climate scenario analysis were mentioned?

Answer 5

• Updated baseline scenarios
• Emissions gap assessments
• New climate commitments by countries
• Discrepancy between rhetoric and reality in climate action

Question 6

What aspects does IMAGE 2.2 analyze in terms of environmental systems?

Answer 6

Answer: IMAGE 2.2 analyzes:
- Terrestrial carbon cycle
- Oceanic carbon cycle
- Atmospheric chemistry
- Land use changes
- Vegetation changes
- Energy emissions
- Industry emissions

Question 7

What types of impact assessments are included in IMAGE 2.2’s third processing stage?

Answer 7

• Climate changes
• Sea level rise
• Agricultural impacts
• Land degradation
• Geological pattern scaling
• Concentration changes

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of IMAGE 2.2?

Answer 8

Answer: IMAGE 2.2 is designed to evaluate global environmental changes