Difference between revisions of "IMAGE framework summary"
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The IMAGE 3.0 model represents one such integrated assessment framework. In this chapter the model framework is presented briefly, but comprehensively, to provide an overview of how it is and can be used to assess long-term environmental and human futures. | The IMAGE 3.0 model represents one such integrated assessment framework. In this chapter the model framework is presented briefly, but comprehensively, to provide an overview of how it is and can be used to assess long-term environmental and human futures. | ||
| − | ==Key characteristics of IMAGE == | + | ===Key characteristics of IMAGE === |
| + | {{DisplayFigureTemplate|Region classification map}} | ||
IMAGE has been set-up as an integrated assessment framework, i.e. some of the components are hard coupled, but others are connected through soft links (i.e. the models run independently with data exchange via data files). This architecture provides more flexibility to develop components separately and to perform sensitivity analyses, recognizing that feedbacks might not always be strong enough to warrant full integration. The various sub-models of the earth system module are fully coupled. Components of the human system such as the [[TIMER model|TIMER energy model]], however, can also be run independently. The agro-economic models that are used as input for IMAGE do not form an official model component – but can still exchange information on land supply, actual production levels and intensity. It should be noted that in addition to the core IMAGE 3.0 model, a somewhat larger IMAGE integrated assessment framework has been defined. The latter includes several PBL impact models that are soft-linked to the IMAGE model, such as the [[FAIR model]] (climate policy), [[GLOBIO model|GLOBIO]] (biodiversity), [[GLOFRIS model|GLOFRIS]] (flood risks) and [[GISMO model|GISMO]] (human development). | IMAGE has been set-up as an integrated assessment framework, i.e. some of the components are hard coupled, but others are connected through soft links (i.e. the models run independently with data exchange via data files). This architecture provides more flexibility to develop components separately and to perform sensitivity analyses, recognizing that feedbacks might not always be strong enough to warrant full integration. The various sub-models of the earth system module are fully coupled. Components of the human system such as the [[TIMER model|TIMER energy model]], however, can also be run independently. The agro-economic models that are used as input for IMAGE do not form an official model component – but can still exchange information on land supply, actual production levels and intensity. It should be noted that in addition to the core IMAGE 3.0 model, a somewhat larger IMAGE integrated assessment framework has been defined. The latter includes several PBL impact models that are soft-linked to the IMAGE model, such as the [[FAIR model]] (climate policy), [[GLOBIO model|GLOBIO]] (biodiversity), [[GLOFRIS model|GLOFRIS]] (flood risks) and [[GISMO model|GISMO]] (human development). | ||
The two main subsystems (human system and earth system) of the core model are specified in accordance with the key dynamics and diversity of the systems. The geographical resolution of IMAGE 3.0 is 26 socio-economic regions. These regions are selected given their relevance for global environmental problems and a relatively high degree of coherence within these regions. In the earth system, the key geographic scale is a 0.5 x 0.5 degree grid for plant growth, carbon and water cycles, while land-use is now allocated at a finer grid of. 5 x 5 minutes). | The two main subsystems (human system and earth system) of the core model are specified in accordance with the key dynamics and diversity of the systems. The geographical resolution of IMAGE 3.0 is 26 socio-economic regions. These regions are selected given their relevance for global environmental problems and a relatively high degree of coherence within these regions. In the earth system, the key geographic scale is a 0.5 x 0.5 degree grid for plant growth, carbon and water cycles, while land-use is now allocated at a finer grid of. 5 x 5 minutes). | ||
| − | In terms of temporal scale, both systems are run at annual time steps over the 1971-2100 period, focusing on long-term trends to capture important inertia aspects of global environmental problems. Within the earth system, much shorter time steps (for water, crp and vegetation modeling), but also five year time steps (for slow processes such as climate change) are used.For many applications the model is run up to 2050,depending on the questions. The IMAGE model deliberately also runs over the historical period 1971-2005 in order to test model dynamics against key historical trends. | + | In terms of temporal scale, both systems are run at annual time steps over the 1971-2100 period, focusing on long-term trends to capture important inertia aspects of global environmental problems. Within the earth system, much shorter time steps (for water, crp and vegetation modeling), but also five year time steps (for slow processes such as climate change) are used.For many applications the model is run up to 2050,depending on the questions. The IMAGE model deliberately also runs over the historical period 1971-2005 in order to test model dynamics against key historical trends. |
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Revision as of 11:25, 11 December 2013
Parts of IMAGE framework summary
Contents
| Projects/Applications |
| Relevant overviews |
| Key publications |
Key policy issues
- How could global environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution evolve?
- What are the consequences of these changes for international targets for biodiversity protection (addressed by the CBD), climate change (UNFCCC) and human development (addressed by the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals)?
- How could response strategies limit environmental pressures and foster more sustainable development?
- What are the linkages between components of environmental change and human development? What are key uncertainties?
Introduction
