Integrated assessment approach

This deliverable describes the overall modelling methodology for the IMPRESSIONS study. It comprises a multi-scale, integrated approach to assessment, focusing on case studies at global, European, national and sub-national scales. A conceptual framework is presented that is a dynamic variant of the DPSIR framework developed by the European Environment Agency. This explicitly accommodates adaptive management through a time dependent and iterative approach incorporating system feedbacks. Its purpose is to establish a structure within which the model applications are undertaken, and it facilitates consistency of modelling across the various case studies. More than 20 models are being applied in IMPRESSIONS for exploring climate change impacts, adaptation, vulnerability and mitigation.

The modelling strategy comprises six actions and for each action, there are associated protocols, which comprise suggestions and guidance on how to undertake an analysis. Protocols may involve describing model features, reviewing some aspects of model results or detailing steps for undertaking new model runs. Some of these are presented in Annexes; others will be prepared later in the project. The protocols are being applied in the context of case studies at different geographical scales in close collaboration with, and guided by, sectoral and regional stakeholders.