"What If" Explorer:

xxx
Instructions (PDF)  
 Temperature Increase (°C)
Pathway 2025 2050 2100
Scenario
xxx
xxx
xxx
Initial
xxx
xxx
xxx
Base
xxx
xxx
xxx
Adjusted
xxx
xxx
xxx
With CDR
xxx
xxx
xxx
With SRM
xxx
xxx
xxx
With Planes
xxx
xxx
xxx
Select a "CO2 Emissions Only" pathway with the indicated temparature increase:    1.5°C    2.0°C    2.5°C    3.0°C    3.5°C   
View/Change the Scenario's Assumptions and Display the Corresponding Calculations
Summary    CO2    RF    CO2e    Temp In 2025    Pct Chance    CDR    SRM    Planes    Costs    Details    Input CO2   
Options for User Input (Displayed as above check boxes are checked.)
CO2 - Emissions and Removals
Feedback Emissions in 2100
5.0
 GTCO2/°C
UseTemperature Increase in 2025
1.31
 (°C)
UseTotal RF in 2025
3.13
 (W/m-2)
Pct. of Runs Meeeting Target
67
 
Radiative Forcing
Mitigation Effort
5
 (1-10)
Albedo Change in 2023
0.0
 W/m-2
Albedo Decrease Per °C (> 1.5°C)
0.00
 W/m-2
Costs
Cost ItemCost in 2025 ($B)Cost in 2100 ($B)
CCS ($/Ton)
70
 
40
 
CDR ($/Ton)
400
 
100
 
Disasters ($B/°C)
150
 
200
 
SLR ($B/Foot)
100
 
250
 
CDR
Start Year
2025
 
Peak Year
2040
 
SRM
Start Year
2040
 
RF Reduct./yr
0
 W/m-2
Planes
Start Year
2040
 
Sea Level Rise
Rise in 2100
1
 Feet/°C
Select the Graphs to Show Effort Rqd CO2 CO2 PPM CO2e GHG GHG RFs Other RFs Unit Costs Item Costs Other
Carbon Removal (Temp Goal) (GtCO2)
  
SRM Requirement (W/m-2)
  
Number of Planes (#)
  
Anthro. CO2 Emissions (GTCO2)
  
CCS Removals (GtCO2)
  
Feedbacks (GtCO2)
  
Total Net CO2 (GtCO2)
  
Cum Anthro CO2 (GtCO2)
  
Cum Feedbacks (GtCO2)
  
Cumulative CO2 (GtCO2)
  
CO2 PPM (PPM)
  
CH4 CO2e (GtCO2e)
  
N2O CO2e (GtCO2e)
  
Total Other CO2e (GtCO2e)
  
Total GHG CO2e (GtCO2e)
  
CO2 RF (W/m-2)
  
CH4 RF (W/m-2)
  
N2O RF (W/m-2)
  
Other GHG RF (W/m-2)
  
Aerosol RF (W/m-2)
  
Other NonGH GRF (W/m-2)
  
Albedo RF (W/m-2)
  
TotalRF (W/m-2)
  
SLR Cost/Foot ($B/Ft)
  
CCS Cost/Ton ($/Ton)
  
Carbon Removal Cost Per Ton ($/Ton)
  
Disaster Costs Per °C ($B/°C)
  
Sea Level Rise Costs ($B/Yr)
  
CCS Costs ($B/Yr)
  
Carbon Removal Cost ($B/Yr)
  
Disaster Costs ($B/Yr)
  
Sea Level Rise (Feet)
  
Temp/RF Ratio ()
  
Item 2025 20302035 20402045 20502055 20602065 20702075 20802085 20902095 2100
Gross Anthro. CO2 GTCO2
Gross Anthro. CO2 GTCO2
Crb Cpt&Str (CCS) GtCO2
CDR (DAC, etc.) GtCO2
Carbon Rmvs (Scen) GtCO2
Cum Carb Rem CO2 GtCO2
Total Anthro CO2 GtCO2
Cum Anthro. CO2 GtCO2
Carbon Feedbacks GtCO2
Cum Feedback CO2 GtCO2
Total Net CO2 GtCO2
Cumultative CO2 GtCO2
CO2 To Atmosph GtCO2
PPM Added/Yr PPM
CO2 PPM PPM
Ocean & Land Sink GtCO2
Airborne Fraction Percent
CO2 W/m-2
CH4 W/m-2
N2O W/m-2
Other W/m-2
Total GHG W/m-2
Aerosol W/m-2
Scenario Total RF W/m-2
Total RF wo Albedo W/m-2
CO2 GtCO2
CH4 GtCO2e
N2O GtCO2e
Total Other CO2e GtCO2e
Total GHG GtCO2e
Aerosol GtCO2e
Albedo CO2e GtCO2e
Total GtCO2e
Rad Frc Coef (ΔT/ΔR)
Temp Incr (Scenario) °C
Temp Incr °C
Albedo W/m-2
Total W/m-2
Rad Frc Coef (ΔT/ΔR) #
Temp Incr °C
Temp Incr/Decade °C
Rad Frc Coef (ΔT/ΔR) #
Carbon Feedbacks GtCO2
CO2 Removal (CDR) GtCO2
Tot Net CO2 GtCO2
PPM Add/Yr Goal PPM
CO2 PPM (Goal) PPM
CO2 RF (Goal) W/m-2
Total RF W/m-2
Temp Incr w CDR °C
Rad Frc Coef (ΔT/ΔR) #
Tot Net CO2 GTCO2
SRM Implentation W/m-2
RF With SRM W/m-2
Temp Incr with SRM °C
Sea Level Rise/ °C Feet
SLR Cost Per Foot $B/Ft
CCS, BECCS, etc $/Ton
Carbon Removal $/Ton
Disaster Costs Per °C $B/°C
Sea Level Rise Feet
Sea Level Rise Costs $Billion
CCS, BECCS, etc $Billion
CDR (DAC, etc.) $Billion
Disaster Costs $Billion
Total Costs $Billion
CCS, BECCS, etc $/Ton
Carbon Removal $/Ton
CCS, BECCS, etc $Billion
CDR (DAC, etc.) $Billion
Disaster Costs $Billion
Total Costs $Billion
Carbon Rmvl (Total) GtCO2
Sea Level Rise Feet
Sea Level Rise Costs $B/Yr
CCS, BECCS, etc $B/Yr
Carbon Removal $B/Yr
Disaster Costs $B/Yr
Total Costs $B/Yr
CH4 W/m-2
N2O W/m-2
Other GHG W/m-2
Total GHG W/m-2
Aerosol W/m-2
SRM - Secnario W/m-2
CO2 W/m-2
CH4 W/m-2
N2O W/m-2
Other GHG W/m-2
Aerosol W/m-2
Total RF W/m-2
Anthro CO2 GTCO2
CCS CO2 GTCO2
CDR CO2 GTCO2
Feedback CO2 GTCO2
CH4 RF W/m-2
N2O RF W/m-2
Other GHG RF W/m-2
Aerosol RF W/m-2
SRM W/m-2
Anthropogenic (human caused) CO2 emissions, including those from the burning of fossil fuels, manufacturing cement, and land use changes
Anthropogenic (human caused) CO2 emissions, including those from the burning of fossil fuels, manufacturing cement, and land use changes
CCS Carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to a collection of technologies that remove carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes before they enter the atmosphere. The captured CO2 can either be utilized or stored in the ground.
CCS Carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to a collection of technologies that remove carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes before they enter the atmosphere. The captured CO2 can either be utilized or stored in the ground.
Direct air capture (DAC) includes a suite of technologies that remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere using chemical or physical processes
Direct air capture (DAC) includes a suite of technologies that remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere using chemical or physical processes
Carbon removal refers to all human derived techniques/process that remove CO2 from the atmopshere (CCS, DAC, mineraliation, etc.)
Carbon removal refers to all human derived techniques/process that remove CO2 from the atmopshere (CCS, DAC, mineraliation, etc.)
Cumulative Carbon Removed after the year 2024
Adjustment to CO2 so that the calculated "CO2 PPM" matches the scenario's CO2 PPM value when the scenario's data is first loaded
Total Anthro CO2
Cumulative Anthropogenic CO2 emissions after the year 2024
Climate feedbacks refer to processes that can amplify or dampen the effects of climate change. These feedbacks are mechanisms that occur as a result of the changing climate itself and either reinforce or mitigate the initial changes caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. (source: ChatGPT)
Climate feedbacks refer to processes that can amplify or dampen the effects of climate change. These feedbacks are mechanisms that occur as a result of the changing climate itself and either reinforce or mitigate the initial changes caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. (source: ChatGPT)
Cumulative FeedbackCO2 emissions after the year 2024
Total Net CO2
Cumulative CO2 emissions after the year 2024
CO2 emissions added to the atmosphere
The amount of CO2 added to the atmosphere in 'parts per million' (PPM)
(To be added)
(To be added)
The atmospheric concentration of CO2
CO2 emissions absorbed by the land and oceanic sinks. Ocean and land sinks refer to natural processes by which the Earth's oceans and terrestrial ecosystems (such as forests, soils, and wetlands) absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. These carbon sinks are crucial in regulating the Earth's climate, as they help mitigate the impact of human CO2 emissions, preventing even higher levels of atmospheric CO2 that would otherwise accelerate climate change. (source: ChatGPT)
The airborne fraction (AF) refers to the portion of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted into the atmosphere that remains in the atmosphere, rather than being absorbed by natural carbon sinks such as oceans, forests, and soils. In simpler terms, it is the fraction of CO2 emissions that do not get sequestered by these natural systems and therefore contribute to the accumulation of atmospheric CO2, which is a primary driver of climate change. (source:ChatGPT) (Note: a value is not displayed if 'total net CO2 emissions are zero or less)
(To be added)
(To be added)
The radiative forcing of CO2 (in W/m-2)
The radiative forcing of CH4 (methane). Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas and the primary component of natural gas. It is colorless, odorless, and highly flammable. While methane is less abundant than carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, it has a much higher global warming potential (GWP) over a short time frame, making it a critical factor in global climate change.(source: ChatGPT)
The radiative forcing of CH4 (methane). Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas and the primary component of natural gas. It is colorless, odorless, and highly flammable. While methane is less abundant than carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, it has a much higher global warming potential (GWP) over a short time frame, making it a critical factor in global climate change.(source: ChatGPT)
The radiative forcing of N2O(in W/m-2). Nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as laughing gas, is a potent greenhouse gas and an ozone-depleting substance. It occurs naturally in the environment but is also significantly produced by human activities, particularly in agriculture and industrial processes. N2O is an important compound in the context of both climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion.(source: ChatGPT)
The radiative forcing of N2O(in W/m-2). Nitrous oxide (N2O), commonly known as laughing gas, is a potent greenhouse gas and an ozone-depleting substance. It occurs naturally in the environment but is also significantly produced by human activities, particularly in agriculture and industrial processes. N2O is an important compound in the context of both climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion.(source: ChatGPT)
The radiative forcing from all of greenhouse gases other than the ones listed above (in W/m-2)
The radiative forcing from all of greenhouse gases other than the ones listed above (in W/m-2)
The radiative forcing of all of the greenhouse gases (in W/m-2)
The radiative forcing from aerosols (in W/m-2). Aerosols are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. They can originate from both natural sources and human activities. Aerosols play a crucial role in the Earth's climate system and can have significant effects on air quality, weather patterns, and the global climate.(source: ChatGPT)
The radiative forcing from aerosols (in W/m-2). Aerosols are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. They can originate from both natural sources and human activities. Aerosols play a crucial role in the Earth's climate system and can have significant effects on air quality, weather patterns, and the global climate.(source: ChatGPT)
(To be added)
(To be added)
The total radiative forcing (in W/m-2)
The total radiative forcing (in W/m-2)
Total CO2 emissions (listed above but included in this list all the CO2e factors)
CO2-equivelent CO2e) emissions from methane (CH4)
CO2-equivelent CO2e) emissions from N2O
CO2-equivelent CO2e) emissions from all of the greenhouse gases except CO2, CH2, and N2O
CO2-equivelent CO2e) emissions from all of the greenhouse gases
CO2-equivelent CO2e) emissions from aerosols
(To be added)
(To be added)
CO2-equivelent CO2e) emissions from albedo changes
The total of all CO2 and CO2-equivelent CO2e) emissions
The ratio of the change in temperature to the change in radiative forcing for the specific year - the "radiative forcing factor" (RFF)
The temperature increase after changes to both CO2 and Non-CO2 emissions are taken into account
(To be added)
(To be added)
The temperature increase after changes to both CO2 and Non-CO2 emissions are taken into account
(To be added)
(To be added)
The radiative forcing from changes in the Earth's albedo (in W/m-2).

Albedo is a term used to describe the reflectivity of a surface or body, specifically how much sunlight (solar radiation) is reflected by that surface compared to how much is absorbed. It is expressed as a percentage or a value between 0 and 1, where:

  • Albedo of 0 means no reflection (complete absorption of sunlight).
  • Albedo of 1 means perfect reflection (no absorption of sunlight).

In other words, a surface with high albedo reflects most of the sunlight that hits it, while a surface with low albedo absorbs most of the sunlight. Albedo is an important concept in climate science because it directly influences the Earth's energy balance and temperature.

(source: ChatCPG)
The radiative forcing from changes in the Earth's albedo (in W/m-2).

Albedo is a term used to describe the reflectivity of a surface or body, specifically how much sunlight (solar radiation) is reflected by that surface compared to how much is absorbed. It is expressed as a percentage or a value between 0 and 1, where:

  • Albedo of 0 means no reflection (complete absorption of sunlight).
  • Albedo of 1 means perfect reflection (no absorption of sunlight).

In other words, a surface with high albedo reflects most of the sunlight that hits it, while a surface with low albedo absorbs most of the sunlight. Albedo is an important concept in climate science because it directly influences the Earth's energy balance and temperature.

(source: ChatCPG)
The total radiative forcing (in W/m-2)
The ratio of the change in temperature to the change in radiative forcing for the specific year - the "radiative forcing factor" (RFF)
The ratio of the change in temperature to the change in radiative forcing for the specific year - the "radiative forcing factor" (RFF)
The temperature increase after adjusting for the CDR needed to meet the 2100 temperature goal
(To be added)
(To be added)
An estimate of the size of the temperature spikes in 2023 and 2024 that was not due to natural variation and is not included in climate models - i.e., the permanent temperature increase that needs to be added to the temperature projections of climate models
The ratio of the change in temperature to the change in radiative forcing for the specific year - the "radiative forcing factor" (RFF)
The ratio of the change in temperature to the change in radiative forcing for the specific year - the "radiative forcing factor" (RFF)
Climate feedbacks refer to processes that can amplify or dampen the effects of climate change. These feedbacks are mechanisms that occur as a result of the changing climate itself and either reinforce or mitigate the initial changes caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. (source: ChatGPT)
Climate feedbacks refer to processes that can amplify or dampen the effects of climate change. These feedbacks are mechanisms that occur as a result of the changing climate itself and either reinforce or mitigate the initial changes caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. (source: ChatGPT)
(To be added)
(To be added)
Carbon removal refers to all human derived techniques/process that remove CO2 from the atmopshere (CCS, DAC, mineraliation, etc.)
Total Net CO2
(To be added)
(To be added)
The amount of CO2 added to the atmosphere in 'parts per million' (PPM)
The atmospheric concentration of CO2
The radiative forcing of CO2 (in W/m-2)
(To be added)
(To be added)
The total radiative forcing (in W/m-2)
The temperature increase goal (user input)
The temperature increase goal (user input)
The ratio of the change in temperature to the change in radiative forcing for the specific year - the "radiative forcing factor" (RFF)
The ratio of the change in temperature to the change in radiative forcing for the specific year - the "radiative forcing factor" (RFF)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
The amount of 'solar radiation management' either required as specified directly by the user or calculated from the temperature increase goal
The amount of 'solar radiation management' either required as specified directly by the user or calculated from the temperature increase goal
The total radiative forcing (in W/m-2)
The temperature increase after the 'solar radiation management' is taken into account
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
Sea Level Rise Per °C
(To be added)
(To be added)
Annual costs of sea level rise per foot
Cost per ton sequestered
Cost per ton sequestered by
Annual costs of disasters
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
Annual cost carbon dioxide removal for CCS
Annual cost carbon dioxide removal for DAC
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
Cost per ton sequestered by CCS
Cost per ton sequestered by DAC
Cost per ton sequestered by DAC
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
Carbon removal refers to all human derived techniques/process that remove CO2 from the atmopshere (CCS, DAC, mineraliation, etc.)
Sea level rise
Annual costs of sea level rise
Annual cost carbon dioxide removal for DAC
Average annual cost carbon dioxide removal all CDR
Annual costs of disasters
Annual total costs of disasters, CDR, etc.
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
The amount of 'solar radiation management'specified for the scenario
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
(To be added)
As the Earth warms, CO2 and methane (CH4) are emitted by thawing permafrost, forest fires, soils, etc. These are collectively referred to as "feedback emissions" and they "feedback" and cause the temperature to increase even more. This field is used to specify the CO2e quantity for feedbacks per degree Centigrade of temperature increase for the year 2100. The model defaults to using 7 GtCO2 in 2100 per ℃ of warming (e.g. this would result in 14 GtCO2e of emissions in 2100 if the temperature increased by 2℃ in 2100). Alternatively, the user can specify values for specific years. Note that the 2025 value is about 5GTCO2e. Note that the IPCC AR6 scenarios assume that the feedbacks will increase the radiative forcing by about 0.166 W/m-2 per degree Centigrade of temperature increase for the year 2100. This corresponds to about 7 GtCO2 in 2100. (This needs to be verified.) (Click 'Feedback Emissions in 2100' to view the additional information)
Enter a specific 'Aggressiveness' value to be used for CH4 radiative forcing
Enter a specific 'Aggressiveness' value to be used for N2O radiative forcing
Graphs for other items
The starting year for CDR - used to determine the CDR requirement for a specific 2100 temperature increase goal (check the 'SRM' checkbox under 'Items For Input' to specify a temperature increase goal)
The year that CDR removals will peak and remain constant - used to determine the CDR requirement for a specific 2100 temperature increase goal (check the 'SRM' checkbox under 'Items For Input' to specify a temperature increase goal)
Allows for specifying values for Anthropogenic CO2, Carbon Removal, and Feedbacks
Allows for specifying the radiative forcing (RF) values for CH4, N2O, the sum of all the other GHGs, aerosols, and albedo
Allows for specifying values that are used in calculations to lower the temperature increase from SRM
Allows for specifying values for the CO2 removal (CDR)
Allows for viewing the calculated values for Anthropogenic CO2, Carbon Removal, Feedbacks, and all of the calculations that were made to determine the atmospheric CO2 concentration
The IPCC’s most optimistic scenario, this describes a world where global CO2 emissions are cut to net zero around 2050. Societies switch to more sustainable practices, with focus shifting from economic growth to overall well-being. Investments in education and health go up. Inequality falls. Extreme weather is more common, but the world has dodged the worst impacts of climate change. This first scenario is the only one that meets the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping global warming to around 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial temperatures, with warming hitting 1.5C but then dipping back down and stabilizing around 1.4C by the end of the century. (click 'SSP-1-19' to view the source: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/un-climate-reports-five-futures-decoded-2021-08-09/)
SSP1-2.6 is a climate scenario that models a sustainable development path with zero emissions after 2050:
Temperature: The temperature increase stabilizes at around 1.8°C by the end of the century.
Socio-economic trends: The scenario presents the same socio-economic trends towards sustainable development as in the first scenario.
Net zero emissions: The scenario implies net zero emissions in the second half of the century.
(source: Google search)
An update to scenario RCP4.5, SSP245 with an additional radiative forcing of 4.5 W/m² by the year 2100 represents the medium pathway of future greenhouse gas emissions. This scenario assumes that climate protection measures are being taken. (Source:https://www.dkrz.de/en/communication/climate-simulations/cmip6-en/the-ssp-scenarios)
The SSP3-Baseline is a Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenario that describes a future with high greenhouse gas emissions and low capacity for mitigation: Socioeconomic development. SSP3 is characterized by regional rivalry, where countries focus on domestic and regional issues over broader development. Economic development is slow, and inequalities persist or worsen.
Energy: SSP3 has high challenges for mitigation, with a focus on regionalized energy and land policies.
Emissions: SSP3 has high greenhouse gas emissions, including high aerosol emissions.
Land use: SSP3 sees a steady decrease in forest area, with a large expansion of cropland and pasture land.
Climate forcing: The climate forcing level in 2100 for the SSP3 baseline is similar to that of SSP2, but with higher CO2 emissions.
(source: Google search)
Click 'SSP4-34' for additional information
  • SSP4: "Inequality—A Road Divided"
    • This scenario assumes increasing inequalities between and within countries.
    • High-income countries and elites worldwide adopt low-carbon technologies and develop adaptation strategies.
    • Low-income countries and disadvantaged groups struggle with poverty, poor governance, and limited access to resources.
  • 3.4: Intermediate Forcing Scenario
    • The number "3.4" represents an intermediate radiative forcing level of 3.4 W/m² by 2100.

Implications for Climate Policy

  • This scenario emphasizes the need for addressing socioeconomic inequalities to achieve effective climate mitigation and adaptation globally.
  • It highlights the risk of leaving developing countries and vulnerable groups behind in the transition to a low-carbon future.
  • Achieving the radiative forcing level of 3.4 W/m² requires moderate reductions in GHG emissions, but without strong international cooperation, the effort may be insufficient to meet stricter climate goals like those of the Paris Agreement.
(Source: ChatGPT)
Click 'SSP4-60' for additional information

SSP4: "Inequality—A Road Divided"

  • Key Features:
    • Unequal Development: Persistent inequalities between regions, within countries, and among social groups.
    • Technological Advancement for the Wealthy: High-income countries and elites adopt advanced technologies and strategies for both mitigation and adaptation.
    • Struggles for the Poor: Developing nations and marginalized populations face governance challenges, economic constraints, and limited access to clean energy and resources.
  • This scenario envisions a world divided, where the benefits of progress are concentrated among the wealthy, leaving many behind.

Policy and Global Implications

  • Climate Justice: SSP4-6.0 underscores the importance of addressing inequality in climate policies. Without equity-focused solutions, mitigation and adaptation efforts will leave many behind.
  • International Cooperation: Bridging the gap between high- and low-income regions is essential to mitigate global warming and reduce vulnerabilities.
  • Technology Transfer: Encouraging the transfer of clean technologies to developing nations is critical in this scenario to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
(Source: ChatGPT)
Click 'SSP5-34' for additional information

SSP5: "Fossil-Fueled Development—Taking the Highway"

  • Key Narrative:
    • Economic and social development is fueled by rapid fossil-based energy use.
    • Emphasis on high economic growth, technological innovation, and global market integration.
    • Environmental degradation and high carbon emissions dominate the early decades.
    • A delayed but strong shift toward climate mitigation emerges later, driven by technological advancements and policy changes.
  • Lifestyle and Governance:
    • High material consumption and energy use per capita.
    • Technologically driven solutions to environmental problems.
    • Strong institutions and policies, particularly in high-income regions, lead to late-stage transitions to lower emissions.

Policy and Global Implications

  • Decoupling Growth from Emissions: SSP5-3.4 emphasizes the possibility of maintaining economic growth while reducing emissions through innovation.
  • Technological Reliance: The scenario assumes the success of large-scale deployment of CCS and NETs, making technology development and deployment a critical focus.
  • Delayed Action Risks: The reliance on late-stage mitigation creates risks if negative emissions technologies fail to scale as expected.
(Source: ChatGPT)
Click 'SSP5-Baseline' for additional information

SSP5: "Fossil-Fueled Development—Taking the Highway"

The SSP5 narrative envisions a world of rapid economic growth and technological progress fueled by fossil energy. Key features include:
  1. Fossil Fuel Dominance:
    • Widespread use of coal, oil, and natural gas supports economic growth.
    • High energy consumption is a hallmark of this pathway.
  2. Technological Innovation:
    • Rapid advancements in technology focus on improving energy efficiency and economic output but without a focus on reducing emissions.
  3. Economic Growth:
    • Strong global markets and trade integration drive unprecedented economic expansion.
    • Poverty eradication is achieved through market-driven mechanisms.
  4. Consumption Patterns:
    • Materialism and high-energy lifestyles dominate, particularly in industrialized and rapidly developing economies.
  5. Land Use:
    • Extensive land conversion for agriculture and resource extraction leads to biodiversity loss and habitat degradation.
  6. Global Inequality:
    • Inequalities persist but diminish as developing countries experience economic growth and catch up to wealthier nations.
(Source: ChatGPT)
Check one of the boxes below to select a simplified "Net-Zero Emission Scenario" that has CO2 emissions of 42 GTCO2 from 2025 through the "Peak Year of CO2 Emissions" followed by a linear reduction in CO2 emissions for the corresponding "# Years"
The year the CO2 emissions will peak (at 42 GTCO2)
The number of years from "peak emissions" to "net-zero" emissions
The various 'items' used by the model for its calculations
Up to nine groups of graphs can be displayed. Check one (or more) of the checkboxes on the right to display the corresponding graphs.
The global temperature unexpectedly increased significantly in 2023 and again in 2024. Climate scientists have not yet concluded whether this is due to natural variability or to a change to the climate system. Note that the "acceleration" is "permanent" and will be added to every year's temperature increase
The amount of solar radiation that needs to be reflected to reach the temperature goal
Enter a specific 'Aggressiveness' value to be used for 'Other' radiative forcing
The amount of effort taken to mitigate non-CO2 emissions and aerosols, on a scale of 1 (minimal) to 10 (maximum). The model calculates an appropriate value based on the pathways CO2 radiative forcing value. The model first calculates how close the CO2 radiative forcing value is to those of the AR6 1.5°C and AR6 4.5°C scenarios. That "closeness" is then used to determine the various non-CO2 radiative forcing pathways for the scenario. For example, if a pathway’s CO2 radiative forcing was 5.7 W/m-2 (halfway between the of AR6 1.5°C and AR6 4.5°C values), the CH4 radiative forcing would also be halfway between the of AR6 1.5°C and AR6 4.5°C values for CH4 or about 0.60 W/m-2 per year
The amount of CO2 that will be removed as the source (CCS) in 2100. The model assumes that there was no CCS in 2025 and that CCS will incease linearly to the 2100 value (Click 'CCS Removal in 2100' to view the additional information)
The temperature increase in 2025, 2050 and 2100 for the various scenarios
The temperature increase values calculated based on the original scenario values and the selected "Temperature Increase in 2025" and "Total RF in 2025"
The amount of effort taken to mitigate non-CO2 emissions and aerosols, on a scale of 1 (minimal) to 10 (maximum). The model calculates an appropriate value based on the pathways CO2 radiative forcing value. The model first calculates how close the CO2 radiative forcing value is to those of the SSP-1.19 and SSP5-Baseline scenarios. That "closeness" is then used to determine the various non-CO2 radiative forcing pathways for the scenario.
For example, if a pathway’s CO2 radiative forcing was 5.7 W/m-2 (halfway between the of SSP-1.19 and SSP5-Baseline values), the CH4 radiative forcing would also be halfway between the of SSP-1.19 and SSP5-Baseline values for CH4 or about 0.60 W/m-2 per year.
Note that this is the "default" value and can be adjusted by the user. That "closeness" is then used to determine the various non-CO2 radiative forcing pathways for the scenario.
The 'Cost Items' are used to estimate the annual costs for CCR, CDR, sea level rise, and natural disasters.
The current costs ($Billions) for each cost item.
The expected costs ($Billions) in 2100 for each cost item.
The expected cost of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) this century depends heavily on the application (e.g., power plants, cement, steel), technology type, and geographic factors. In a "central" scenario, costs drop from $90/ton in 2025 to $40/ton in 2100. The default value for 2025 in the dashboard is set to $70/ton, as that is the linear extrapolation back from 2100 and most of the CCS will occur after 2050.(Click 'CCS' to view additional information)
The cost of Direct Air Capture (DAC)this century is expected to vary significantly depending on technological advancements, policy support, energy prices, and deployment scale. In a "central" scenario, costs drop from $800/ton in 2025 to $100/ton in 2100. The default value in the dashboard is set to $400/ton, as that is the linear extrapolation back from 2100 and there will be very little DAC before 2050.(Click 'CDR' to view the additional information)
The annual costs for climatological, hydrological, and meteorological natural disasters for 2000 through 2023 were obtained from The Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED). Linear projections of this data though 2100 were then made.(Click 'Disasters' to view the additional information)
Estimates of the cost per foot of sea level rise vary considerably. The current model defaults to a cost/foot of $100 Billion in 2025 and $500 Billion in 2100. (click 'SLR' to view the additional information)
The albedo might decrease more rapidly than expected due to changes with cloud reflectivity, thus increasing the equivalent radiative forcing. The value specified here is the additional radiative forcing that might result.
The Earth's temperature increased about 0.18° C per decade from 1970 through 2010. The Earth's temperature is expected to increase by about 0.26° C per decade from 2010 through 2050 based on the IPCC AR6 model. The temperature is expected to increase faster as the Earth's albedo decreases. Other factors, such as a reduction in the land and ocean sinks, ocean stratification, etc., may also increase the Earth's temperature. This "slider" can be used to take these other factors into account. Select the "°C" radio button if the additional temperature increase will be based on the calculated temperature increase above 1.2° C. Select the "Decade" radio button if the temperature increase will be for each decade.
En-ROADS scenarios do not include carbon feedbacks and also had expected the atmospheric concentration of CO2 to be 421.8 PPM in 2025 (althugh the current version has a value of 422.13), about 6 PPM less that what is expected (and what this Emulator assumes). As a result, the Emulator’s projected temperature increase wil be significantly higher. (Note for En-ROADs scenarios: (1) the RF value for "Other Non_GHGs" is included in the "Other" RF item, and (2) the expected temperature increases for 2025 and 2030 are 1.38°C and 1.50°C respectively)
The temperature with adjustment for CCS, feedbacks, etc.
The temperature increase with CDR
The temperature increase with SRM
The temperature increase with planes (SAI)
Specify the temperature increase desired for the year 2100. This value will be used to determine the "carbon budget"
Click one of the radio buttons to the right to select a "CO2 emissions only" pathway to explore. The pathway "number" indicates the temperature increase in 2100 for the pathway where the "percent chance" of not exceeding the temperature increase is 67%. Click the "down arrow" on the left to select other scenarios to explore.
IPCC AR6 Scenarios based on 67% of the runs not exceeding the temperature increase. Each scenario is a average of 10-20 scenarions with roughly the same temperature increase.
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 1.4°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 1.6°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 1.8°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 2.0°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 2.2°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 2.4°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 2.6°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 2.8°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 3.0°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 3.2°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 3.4°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 3.6°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 3.8°C
An En-ROADS that resulted in a temperature increase of 4.0°C
Displays the net CO2 emissions, CO2 PPM, and temperture increase
Displays the four groups of CO2 emissions and removals: (1) gross anthropogenic CO2 (from the burning of fossil fuels, land use changes, etc.); (2) carbon capture and storage ("CCS" - where CO2 is captured at the source); (3) carbon dioxide removal ("CDR" - where CO2 is removed from the atmosphere by direct air capture (DAC), afforestation, enhanced weathering, , etc.), and (4) carbon feedbacks (from permafrost thawing, forest fires, etc.)
Displays the radiative forcing of the six main radiative forcing elements
Displays the CO2 equivalent emissions of the six main radiative forcing elements
Allows the user to specify the temperature increase for 2025. This defaults to 1.31°C, as that is the expected average temperature increase based on historical data. Note that all of the AR6 and IPCC scenarios have temperature increases above 1.4°C.
Allows the user to specify when the implementation of solar radiation modification (SRM) starts and the amount radiative forcing to be reduced each year in order to limit the temperature increase to the desired amount.
Allows the user to specify when airplanes are first used for stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) and the number of planes to be added each year to limit the temperature increase to the desired amount.
Displays the total costs ($Billons) for (1) sea level rise; (2) carbon capture and storage (at the source - CCS, BECCS, etc.); (3) carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere (DAC, etc.); and (4) natural disasters
Displays the detailed calculations (for example, "per unit costs" for (1) sea level rise ($Billion/per foot); (2) CCS, BECCS, etc. ($per ton), (3) carbon dioxide removal -DAC, etc. ($per ton), and (4) disaster costs per ° of temperature increase)
Sliders to allow the user to modify the scenario's assumptions
Items which affect the net CO2 emissions
Allows the user to specify the temperature increase for 2025. This defaults to 1.31°C, as that is the expected average temperature increase based on historical data. Note the all of the AR6 and IPCC scenarios have temperature increases above 1.4°C.
The IPCC's AR6 carbon budget is based on the probability of limiting global warming to a specific temperature threshold (like 1.5°C or 2°C above pre-industrial levels) based on a certain amount of CO2 emissions (the "budget"). This value is used to calculate "radiative forcing coefficient" or "RFC".
Shows/hides the input row for CO2 emissions
AR6 Scenario that hresulted in a temperature increase of 1.5°C (for 67 percent of the runs)
AR6 Scenario that hresulted in a temperature increase of 2.0°C (for 67 percent of the runs)
AR6 Scenario that hresulted in a temperature increase of 2.5°C (for 67 percent of the runs)
AR6 Scenario that hresulted in a temperature increase of 3.0°C (for 67 percent of the runs)
AR6 Scenario that hresulted in a temperature increase of 3.5°C (for 67 percent of the runs)
AR6 Scenario that hresulted in a temperature increase of 4.0°C (for 67 percent of the runs)
AR6 Scenario that hresulted in a temperature increase of4.5°C (for 67 percent of the runs)
Click 'Shared Socioeconomic Pathways for additional information
Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) are climate change scenarios that project how global society, economics, and demographics could change by 2100. They are used to analyze how these changes could affect climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. The scenarios shown below were selected from the various SSP scenarios - they are generally the average of two scenarios developed for the IPCC's AR6 report .Note that SSP1-19 and SSP1-26 are not included as their CO2 emissions in 2025 were less than 33 GTCO2 in 2025. Likewise SSP3-Baseline and SSP5-Baseline are not included as their CO2 emissions in 2025 were more than 48 GTCO2 in 2025.
The Earth's albedo is decreasing. Some of this is expected and included in the AR6 scenarios
Allows for specifying values that are used in calculations to lower the temperature increase from CDR. Click 'CDR' to view the additional information)
The amount of cooling that one plane will be responsible for each year
The number of planes that can be added each year
Global Sea Level Rise Projections: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report: Under the highest emissions scenario, the IPCC projects a global mean sea level rise between 0.63 and 1.01 meters (2.1 to 3.3 feet) by 2100. ? Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Study: A recent study from NTU Singapore and Delft University of Technology introduces a "fusion" approach, projecting a very likely range of 0.5 to 1.9 meters (1.6 to 6.2 feet) of sea level rise by 2100 under high-emission scenarios. This method aims to address uncertainties in current projections. ?(https://www.ntu.edu.sg/news/detail/new-method-projects-very-likely-range-of-future-sea-level-rise) Because of emissions to date, 2 feet of sea level rise will likely occur along the U.S. coastline between 2020 and 2100. Failing to curb future emissions could cause an additional 1.5 to 5 feet of rise, for a total of 3.5 to 7 feet .(https://sealevel.globalchange.gov/resources/2022-sea-level-rise-technical-report) (click 'Sea Level Rise' to view the additional information)
Because of emissions to date, 2 feet of sea level rise will likely occur along the U.S. coastline between 2020 and 2100. Failing to curb future emissions could cause an additional 1.5 to 5 feet of rise, for a total of 3.5 to 7 feet .(https://sealevel.globalchange.gov/resources/2022-sea-level-rise-technical-report)
The costs due due to sea level rise
If the selected pathway/scenario includes a temperature increase (as it does for AR6 and En-ROADs scenarios), the corresponding values will be displayed; otherwise the values calculated by the emulator (using formulas based on the AR6 data) will be used. In the latter case the expected temperature increase in 2025 is based on the "temperature change/radiative forcing" (RFC) value of 0.457 calculated based on the AR6 data for a 67% chance of not exceeding the IPCC’s "carbon budget". The "Scenario" temperature for 2025 is then 1.43°C (=0.457 * the total radiative forcing in 2025 = 0.457 * 3.14 = 1.43)
Use to validate that the calculated CO2 PPM closely matches the scenario's CO2 PPM for the En-ROADS scenarios. When this box is checked, feedback emissions are set to zero as the En-ROADS scenarios do not include feedacks. The CO2 PPM increase calculations are based on the En-ROADs data. Note that there is are good mathches for the 1.6 - 3.0 scenarios, which are the main ones of interest.
For example, click the "CO2" checkbox to view the "Feedback" and "CCS" assumptions and view the calculations for CO2 emissions