These processes will primarily orbit around modelling analyses based on integrated assessment models (IAMs); continuous stakeholder engagement and the notion of co-creation; and uncertainty analysis methods and tools. It also aims to enhance and legitimise the science-policy interface leading to improved, evidence-based, inclusive, realistic, sustainable and robust policies and directions. In particular, the Objectives (O) of the project are:
O1.
To develop a novel, IAM-oriented assessment framework for effectively supporting the design and evaluation of climate policies globally and in the EU as well as in all other major emitters and selected less developed countries, in respect to the objectives of the Paris Agreement. This objective builds on a strong ensemble of complementary—in terms of geographic, sectoral, emission coverage as well as mathematical background and investigation focus—IAMs and other modelling frameworks, and includes the development of an open-access, transparent data and knowledge exchange platform, in order to support the effective implementation of NDCs, the preparation of future action pledges, the development of 2050 decarbonisation strategies, and the reinforcement of the 2023 GST, in light of the need to increase decarbonisation ambition and to align these efforts with sustainable development goals.
O2.
To enhance the legitimacy of the scientific processes in support of climate policymaking, by introducing an innovative stakeholder inclusion framework (co-design) and improving the transparency of the respective models, methods and tools. Beyond effectively communicating respective outputs and fostering wider societal acceptance of climate policy, this framework actively involves policymakers and other stakeholder groups in all stages of the project. Their participation in the project, therefore, ranges from the formulation of policy questions and the definition of modelling assumptions in a demand-driven approach, to the design of the envisaged platform and the mobilisation of tacit knowledge embedded in experts towards bridging knowledge gaps. In other words, it will create the common science-stakeholders ground, which will facilitate targeted, effective and sustainable policy processes.
O3.
To introduce innovative policy support frameworks that improve the robustness of modelling outcomes against different types of uncertainties, inherent in both the climate change domain and integrated assessment processes. These frameworks revolve around a series of well-established, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with which IAMs are further interlinked in order to effectively tackle the aforementioned weaknesses and lead to robust, sustainable and effective policy strategies.
The overall concept of the PARIS REINFORCE project, along with its objectives and the tools envisaged to tackle the respective challenges, are depicted in the figure below. Oriented on a strong core of IAMs & other modelling frameworks, continuous stakeholder engagement and robust decision support tools, respective activities are mobilised towards accomplishing the three main objectives and revolutionising the scientific processes in support of climate policy, towards a truly integrative approach.
