Roads from Rio+20 (2012) project

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Website: http://www.pbl.nl/en/publications/2012/roads-from-rio20
Application type: 1. Global integrated assessment
Role of IMAGE framework: Alternative scenarios were explored with IMAGE to reach international development and environment targets, such as halting biodiversity loss and limiting climate change. In reaching these targets, alternative pathways were assumed for globally coordinated or regionally differentiated strategies, by either relying primarily on technology solutions or combining these with changes in dominant consumer preferences and behaviour (diets, transport mode).
Summary: Roads from Rio+20 analyses how combinations of technological measures and changes in consumption patterns could contribute to achieving a set of sustainability objectives, taking into account the interlinkages between them. The potential exists for achieving all of the objectives.
Key publication(s): PBL, 2012
Referred by: Agricultural economy, Air pollution and energy policies, Aquatic biodiversity, Emissions, Energy conversion, Energy demand, Energy supply, Human development, Land cover and land use, Land degradation, Land-use allocation, Livestock systems, Nutrients, Terrestrial biodiversity

Detailed description

Using the IMAGE model, the PBL study Rio+20 assessed pathways to achieve ambitious global sustainability targets in 2050, including limiting climate change to 2 °C, stabilising biodiversity loss and providing full access to energy, water and food. The baseline scenario assessed possible development without major changes in current policies. Three alternative scenarios assessed possible routes to achieving the sustainability targets. The first scenario (Global Technology) was directed to achieving the target mainly through large-scale introduction of advanced technologies. The second scenario (Decentralised Solutions) assessed achieving the long-term targets by introducing small-scale technologies and emphasising local-scale solutions. The third scenario (Consumption Change) focused on the role of lifestyle changes in achieving the targets. In this chapter, the Rio+20 study is used to illustrate potential assessments with IMAGE.