Projections of future climate change are carried out using climate models. Using computer-based simulations of the Earth-ocean-atmosphere system, model runs produce scenarios of plausible futures.
Quicklinks:
- How are emissions scenarios used in climate modelling?
- What climate change information should I use?
- What is the most up to date climate modelling?
How are emissions scenarios used in climate modelling?
Climate models simulate climate change by gradually increasing the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and observing the effects on the model climate. Global efforts to produce climate projections rely on agreed pathways of how greenhouse gas concentrations might change in the future.
The Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) are the latest set of ‘what if’ scenarios used to explore the consequences of greenhouse gases accumulating in the atmosphere.
Explainer
Understanding SSPs
, Factsheet (PDF 185KB)
What climate change information should I use?
There are many and varied sources of climate change data in Australia. It can be difficult to know where to find the best source of climate information to suit your needs whether you’re just exploring information, doing a climate risk assessment, or developing strategic policy.
The hub has developed these two guides to help you identify what information you might need and what to expect from different information portals.
Guidance
Finding and selecting the right climate change information for your needs (Factsheet, PDF)
Navigating climate portals (Factsheet, PDF)
What is the most up-to-date climate modelling?
Guidance on when and how to incorporate climate and other information into a climate risk assessment. It also provides an overview of the steps in a climate risk assessment and where to begin.
Guidance
Everything you need to know about the latest in climate modelling (Factsheet, PDF)