3.5.3 Information for integrated assessment of response strategies

Based upon a better understanding of the links between concentration levels, magnitude and rate of warming and key vulnerabilities, the next step in integrated assessment is to make informed decisions by combining information on climate science, impact analysis and economic analysis within a consistent analytical framework. These exercises can be grouped into three main categories depending on the way uncertainty is dealt with, the degree of complexity and multi-disciplinary nature of models and on the degree of ambition in terms of normative insights:

1. Assessment and sensitivity analysis of climate targets.

2. Inverse analyses to determine emission-reduction corridors (trajectories) to avoid certain levels of climate change or of climate impacts.

3. Monetary assessment of climate change damages.

Section 3.6 discusses how this information is used in economic analyses to determine optimal emission pathways.