Climate Impact Scenarios
Definition
Climate Impact Scenarios are modeled projections of how future climate changes may affect environmental systems, infrastructure, and societies. They are developed using climate models, emission pathways, and socio-economic assumptions to assess risks and adaptation needs.
Application
Used in urban resilience planning, agriculture forecasting, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure design. GIS helps spatialize these projections to identify vulnerable regions and test different policy responses.
FAQ
Why are climate impact scenarios important for GIS planning?
They allow spatial modeling of future risks such as sea-level rise, heatwaves, or droughts, helping inform adaptive strategies.
What data is used to create climate scenarios?
Global and regional climate model outputs, historical climate trends, land cover, elevation, and socio-economic data.
How are GIS tools used to interpret climate projections?
By overlaying impact layers with infrastructure, land use, and population data to visualize exposure and sensitivity.
Who uses climate scenarios in decision-making?
Government agencies, city planners, insurers, conservationists, and researchers developing resilience or mitigation strategies.