C-ROADS is a computer simulation that helps understand the long-term climate impacts of emission reduction policy scenarios. C-ROADS translates climate mitigation scenarios and pledge levels into emissions, concentrations, temperature, and per-capita emissions outcomes at the global level. The model quickly runs real-time policy analysis, allows users to test ‘what if scenarios’, and analyzes up to 15 different nations or regions simultaneously.

Features include:

• Translates climate mitigation scenarios into emissions, concentrations, temperature, and per-capita emissions outcomes
• Offers ability to quickly run real-time policy analysis on a laptop or desktop computer
• A graphical user interface that non-modelers can use to test ‘what if scenarios’
• Ability to analyze up to 15 different nations or negotiating blocs simultaneously.
• Backed by a scientific review committee of renowned climate and systems dynamics experts
• Outputs are consistent with the larger, more disaggregated models used in the IPCC’s AR4
• Model assumptions, inputs, and methodology are made transparent and in many cases can be easily adjusted to suit the user.

Key questions addressed:

• What is the aggregate effect of multiple countries’ climate policies on staying below certain temperature and GHG concentration targets?

Sample data inputs:

• Greenhouse gas emission profiles

Sample quantitative outputs:

• Future greenhouse gas concentration, temperature, and sea level rise

Resources:

C-ROADS Overview, by Climate Interactive

Video tutorials are available on the C-ROADS website.