The Integrated Global System Model (IGSM) analyzes interactions among humans and the climate system. It is used to study causes of global climate change and potential social and environmental consequences.

The tool is designed for analyzing the global environmental changes that may result from anthropogenic causes, quantifying the uncertainties associated with the projected changes, and assessing the costs and environmental effectiveness of proposed policies to mitigate climate risk.

The IGSM consists of three primary components:

1. Economics, emissions, and policy cost model for analysis of human activity as it interacts with climate processes, and to assess proposed policy measures;
2. Climate and Earth system component: coupled dynamic and chemical atmosphere, ocean, land, and natural ecosystem interactions and feedbacks; and
3. Land ecosystems and biogeochemical exchanges models, within a Global Land System framework, for analysis of the terrestrial biosphere.

Key questions addressed:

• How effective and costly would specific policy measures be in alleviating climate change?
• What are the advantages and risks of waiting for better scientific understanding of such change?
• How will the oceanic and terrestrial uptake of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases be affected by changing climate?
• What nations, regions, and economic sectors are most likely to be affected?

Sample data inputs:

• Climate data
• Vegetation data
• Gross domestic product
• Other macro economic data

Sample quantitative outputs:

• Projected costs of mitigation measures
• Changes in agricultural yield
• Net primary production
• Ocean pH levels
• Economic welfare impacts of pollutant-related health effects

Access the Integrated Global System Model (IGSM).

Resources:

The MIT Integrated Global System Model (IGSM) Version 2: Model Description and Baseline Evaluation.