Modelling Global Change

Integrated assessment modelling is a booming subject within the scientific community, triggered by the debate on climate change and the move towards the goal of sustainable development. The book provides an integrated approach to modelling, using a transdisciplinary approach. The author summarizes the main issues involved in the changing global system, and gives and overview of the emerging field of integrated assessment. He then presents a general discussion of the methodological principles of the multidisciplinary model, that is used for the first time in this book. Existing tools are examined and new methodological approaches are applied to various aspects of the problem of global change. The case studies focus on the adaptive behaviour of social and biological agents, including the role of knowledge and the management of malaria, and special attention is given to the development of resistance and the adaptation of these agents to climate change. The book concludes with a discussion on future uses of integrated assessment modelling in the global environment. Modelling Global Change will be vital to economists and scientists who have an interest in integrated assessment modelling, global modelling and decision support, environmental and ecological economists and those interested in sustainable development.