Mainstreaming Integrated Assessment Models by embedding behavioural change and actor heterogeneity, and increasing their outreach to citizens, communities and industrial actors (CHOICE)

© climatechoice.eu

The Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) are essential for modeling climate stabilization pathways and guiding policymakers in making informed decisions. Traditionally, IAMs have focused on supply-side mitigation options, while less attention has been given to demand-side factors and food systems due to their complexity and diverse actors. The CHOICE project aims to integrate IAMs into the decision-making processes of consumers, producers, and stakeholders in the Food, Agriculture, and Land Use sectors. This will be achieved by improving the representation of behavior change and actor heterogeneity in IAMs, combining social science insights with marketing tools to drive climate action.

Key to this approach is the use of digital immersive tools, data storytelling, and gamification, designed to engage a broad audience through emotional appeals and social incentives. By analyzing consumer and actor behavior, CHOICE will provide valuable input for the next generation of IAMs, reflecting real-world diversity. The IAMs will assess the impacts of 1.5°C-compatible mitigation actions, highlighting not only emissions reductions but also the co-benefits for health, biodiversity, and food security.

Activities IIASA

IIASA leads efforts to mainstream IAM modeling, that include GLOBIOM and FeliX models. The IAMs will feature enhanced representations of behavioral change, as well as improved modeling of food systems, diets, and their impacts on nutrition and health. IIASA supports the development of an interactive simulation environment that enables active involvement of end-users in co-designing model-based scenarios. IIASA also explores the potential of games to enhance the outreach of IAM results and their impact on behavioral change. Finally, IIASA coordinates the technical aspects across the project.