Integrated assessment of global environmental change with IMAGE 3.0 model description and policy applications

Abstract

• This book presents a complete and concise description of IMAGE 3.0, the Integrated Model to Assess the Global Environment version 3.0. • The book has been prepared for those working at the science-policy interface, a client, partner or user for assessments with IMAGE 3.0. • All model components are described in broad terms, focusing on functionalities, feedbacks, uncertainties, and policy applications. For more detail, reference is made to underlying scientific papers, listed at the end of each section as key publications. • Chapter 1 (Introduction) and Chapter 2 (Overview IMAGE 3.0) provide an introduction to IMAGE 3.0, and the main model setup. • All model components presented in Figure 1 are described in respective Sections of Chapters 3 to 8, and can be read separately. • Each model component is described as follows: 1) Introduction, 2) Model description, 3) Policy issues, and 4) Data, uncertainties and limitations, 5) Key publications and 6) Input/Output Table. Figures include a model flow diagram, baseline results, and results for one or several policy interventions. • The results illustrate the type of studies that can be carried out with IMAGE. They are based on recent IMAGE assessments, and as far as possible taken from peer-reviewed literature or published PBL reports. Thus, the underlying baselines may vary throughout the book. • The content of this book is presented on the IMAGE website (www.pbl.nl/ image), where additional information and model updates can be found. This website also contains a user interface to view IMAGE scenario results.