Support to the development of ambitious climate change scenarios in Europe: final report

In: Climate change 2021, 73

In: Ressortforschungsplan of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety

Abstract

A long-term vision for climate protection is essential for triggering the actions and policies needed to bring about economy-wide decarbonisation. The scientific basis for long-term climate planning comes in the form of so-called climate protection scenarios. These studies model emission pathways and potential mitigation options with a time horizon of mid-century and, like national strategies, differ substantially country to country in their scope, content and ambition, i.e., the magnitude of foreseen emission reductions. This document summarises the findings of a assessment of European climate protection scenarios initiated by the German Environment Agency (UBA) project: "Supporting the development of ambitious climate change scenarios in Europe." The principle finding from a descriptive evaluation and exemplary comparative analysis is that scenario development varies substantially by EU Member State - with countries emphasising different mitigation options and pathways based on inter alia national context. Considering the importance of long-term scenario development in the strategy development process, a process for alignment and a more unified basis for scenario development in Europe could improve modelling and thus long-term climate planning overall - and facilitate also effective regional and EU level approaches as complement to national strategies.