MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
77 Massachusetts Ave, E19-411,Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, USA
Tel:++01 617-253-7492
Fax: ++01 617-253-9845
Description of model
Integrated Global System Model (IGSM) is comprehensive tool built to analyze interactions among humans and the climate system. The IGSM consists of three primary submodels:
economics, emissions, and policy cost model, used to analyse human activity as it interacts with climate processes, and to assess proposed policy measures;
climate and Earth system component, a coupled dynamic and chemical atmosphere, ocean, land, and natural ecosystem interactions and feedbacks;
land ecosystems and biogeochemical exchanges models, used to analyse the terrestrial biosphere.
The IGSM model can therefore be used for assessing the economic impacts of the response measures. A key feature of the model is its relatively detailed integrated climate module which means that the model will also include feedbacks from climate-change impacts. This means that the economic outcomes reflect both the direct impacts of environmental policy and the resulting changes in air temperatures.
Particular relevance
The IGSM model is relevant in analysing the socio-economic impacts of climate change mitigation policies, in particular taxation policy and policies related to technology development. The model can also be particularly useful for analysing international trade flows.
Coverage
World
Model applications
Development of the MIT Integrated Global System Model - this study involved the development and extension of IGSM and the supporting analyses to better incorporate human-Earth system interactions (including economy-environment linkages) in ways that produce greater understanding of the climate change issues (http://globalchange.mit.edu/research/projects/Gifts-IGSMdevelopment.html).
Application of the MIT IGSM to Policy Analysis - IGSM was applied to the investigation of near-term climate policies that are prominent in national and international climate discussions, and to long-term issues of atmospheric stabilization (http://globalchange.mit.edu/research/projects/Gifts-Policy.html).
Organization's main area of research
Interactions among human and natural Earth systems, with a particular focus on climate and energy, and of the forces that drive global change.