The modellers in the IMPRESSIONS project met for a second time in Pisa, Italy from 30 September to 1 October 2014. Computer models are being used in IMPRESSIONS to develop new knowledge and evidence on the impacts of, and adaptation to, high-end scenarios (HES) on key sectors and resources for the globe, Europe and three regional case studies (Scotland, Hungary and Iberia).
Simulated changes in a range of urban, health, agricultural, forestry, water, coastal, biodiversity, tourism, land use and economic indicators over time under high-end climate and socio-economic scenarios will be used to help stakeholders and decision-makers develop long-term adaptation strategies for coping with HES.
The purpose of the meeting was to: (i) finalise the conceptual framework which links the modelling activities to work undertaken in the rest of the project; (ii) define a model linkages framework which highlights information that is passed between different models covering various sectors and scales to ensure an integrated approach; and (iii) develop model application protocols for consistent testing and use of models in sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, uncertainty analysis and inter-model comparison exercises.
In addition, agreements were reached on a core set of integrated Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) and Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSP) scenarios, a consistent climate and socio-economic baseline, and future timeslices up to 2100 for assessing the consequences of high-end climate change.