Publication

Modelling for Sustainable Development: New decisions for a new age

This book provides a detailed overview of models used in designing projects and policies that integrate sustainable development considerations and objectives. 

By Andrea Bassi, Liesbeth Casier, Carin Smaller, David Uzsoki, David Laborde, Max Linsen, David Manley, Nicolas Maennling, Morten Siersted, Iain Steel, Johnny West on July 7, 2019

Key Messages

  • The decisions of public and private sector actors must incorporate sustainable development considerations. Doing so, however, requires the ability to model these same considerations, as well as the impacts of a particular policy or project.
  • The design and choice of these models is crucial, and must involve a holistic approach that brings together the various actors and interests involved.
  • These models must also be able to meet decision-maker's needs and inform decisions that contribute to sustainable development.

Our environmental, economic, and social systems are currently facing a host of challenges, which if left unaddressed will have significant implications for the world in which we live. Tackling these challenges will require better-informed decision-making, which in turn requires models that are designed and developed with sustainable development considerations and objectives in mind. To support this need for better-informed decision making, this book brings together the insights and expertise of a dozen expert modellers and policy analysts, who completed this project on modelling for sustainable development in June 2019 using the "Book Sprints" method. It outlines the different modelling approaches available; describes why model design and development matters for sustainable development; and explains how these models can contribute to decision-making processes.

The book is designed for decision-makers, model commissioners, model developers, model users, and students specializing in modelling and/or the different aspects of sustainable development.

The book’s co-authors include:

A webinar about the book was held on October 21, 2019. The video recording is available for viewing below:

 

Publication details