A Structured Basket of Models for Global Change

Abstract

This contribution presents four modelling frameworks that can be structured along their level of detail, their geographic coverage and their degree of quantification that are typical for each of these environmental information systems. All four describe a subset of the various aspects affecting global change: • Emissions • Energy • Land Use and Biomass • Economic and Social Parameters. The specific objective of this chapter is to present, discuss and evaluate the usability of the model concepts and their present stage of IT implementation for the target of inter-subjective assessment of the driving forces, mechanisms and effects of global change for the needs of practical planning on a local, national and/or global level. For each presented model, portfolios are displayed that briefly describe their positions and abilities. Target groups are public administrations and bodies representing economy and industry who are motivated to break down the concept of sustainability to practical action options while maintaining the larger scope, as is proposed by the traditions of technology assessment and systems thinking.