Title: ANEMI: a new model for integrated assessment of global change

Authors: Evan G.R. Davies, Slobodan P. Simonovic

Addresses: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2W2, Canada. ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B9, Canada

Abstract: This paper describes a new model, ANEMI, for the integrated assessment of climate and global change. ANEMI reproduces the main characteristics of eight sectors of the society-biosphere-climate system – climate, carbon cycle, land use, population, surface water flow, water use, water quality, and the economy – and explores the manner in which interactions, or feedbacks, between these components determine the behaviour of the whole. The model|s reference behaviour forms the basis of comparison for the set of experiments undertaken to date with the model; these experiments and their goals are summarised. A sample Monte Carlo simulation illustrates typical model behaviour, and shows how change in one model variable affects the others. Conclusions reiterate the value of integrated assessment modelling and describe future additions to the model.

Keywords: climate change; feedback; global change; integrated assessment; interdisciplinary modelling; system dynamics; water resources; carbon cycle; land use; population; surface water flow; water use; water quality; economy; Monte Carlo simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2010.037903

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2010 Vol.11 No.2/3, pp.127 - 161

Published online: 05 Jan 2011 *

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