Climate Interactive creates interactive, easy-to-use, and scientifically rigorous tools that help people understand how to address the complex, interconnected challenges that affect our lives. Based on a long tradition of system dynamics modeling out of MIT that explores the interplay between social and planetary systems, our simulations help people see connections, play out scenarios, and see what works to address the biggest challenges we face.
Our simulations cover a range of topics, from climate change and clean energy to disaster risk reduction and resilience. Some of our tools are designed for policy makers, others for teachers and citizens; all are created out of a common set of principles:
• Transparent, open. Equations, assumptions, parameters, and data are accessible and shared.
• Created by a collaborative process. In creating new simulations, we tap the expertise and the previous analytical work of people living and working within the system we are modeling.
• Complementary, non-competitive. The simulations we create tend to complement, not replace, other analysis. In some cases, more disaggregated models exist that run on super-computers, which address similar issues. Our simulations are scaled to run on personal computers or, in some cases, mobile devices for accessibility and widespread use.
• Thinking-, learning- and action-oriented. Our simulations are designed to support conversations in groups of people who wish to test their assumptions, create customized scenarios, and share their insights with others.
To learn more about a specific simulation click on the links below, or take a look at our educational and research programs on climate, energy, multiple benefits, and systems thinking.
C-ROADS
The widely-used, high-powered emissions reduction simulation. C-ROADS is a 3-15 region simulator that allows users to assess the impact of national and regional climate pledges.
En-ROADS
A powerful global energy simulation. En-ROADS simulator provides insight into how we can achieve our climate goals through changes in our energy use, consumption, and policies. Includes global population, GDP, energy efficiency, R&D results, carbon price, fuel mix, and other factors.
Climate Pathways App
The world’s smallest climate simulator! Climate Pathways is a fun, free app for the Apple iPad, iPod, or iPhone. With a trace of your finger, draw annual global emissions from now through 2050 to find a pathway to limit warming well below 2 degrees C, or even to 1.5 degrees C.
Green Infrastructure Simulation
The Green Infrastructure Decision Support Tool helps decision makers explore the potential of green infrastructure to help cope with stormwater while generating social, economic, and environmental co-benefits in the process.
CO2 Timeline
CO2 Timeline is a tool to compare how long CO2 lasts in the atmosphere relative to milestones in people’s lives.
Climate Momentum Sim
A flash tool with fast insights. Our Climate Momentum Sim allows users to quickly compare the resulting sea level rise, temperature change, atmospheric CO2, and global CO2 emissions from six predetermined scenarios.
Climate Bathtub Animation
A quick sim. This animated simulation of the global carbon system is great for helping people explore the relationship between carbon emissions and atmospheric CO2.
MIT’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Simulator
Dr. John Sterman led the creation of this more advanced animated simulator that, like the one above, uses the bathtub metaphor but explores more factors and more complexity.