To see how the different scenarios play out, you can graph Earth’s temperature over the course of several decades. This has the effect of increasing the greenhouse effect and ultimately increases the average temperature of the planet. The change in net radiative energy balance is also specified by the scenarios, and we put that right into our energy balance as a decrease in outgoing infrared energy. Once enabled, the pathway’s concentration level will be tied to the simulation year. Click the (+) icon to select one of the other 4 scenarios. In Universe Sandbox ², you can enable RCPs by selecting the Climate tab in Earth’s properties and toggling “Select an RCP Scenario.” The default is RCP 8 5. (This is simplified for the sake of this introduction you can learn more here.) One assumes a peak in greenhouse gases in the next decade, while another assumes that there will never be stabilization. Not only do the scenarios project different outcomes for concentrations, but, importantly, they each follow a unique trajectory based on a range of possible socio-economic changes. To stabilize concentrations, decreases in emissions are required, because even when emissions are lowered, CO₂ hangs around in the atmosphere for a long time. Each RCP makes different assumptions about how and when these factors might change. Policies, land use, global population, our attitudes toward production and consumption - these can all have a huge impact on greenhouse gas emissions.

There are many factors we can consider when looking at what changes will affect emissions. CO₂ emissions and associated concentrations generated from the RCP Database.

Universe sandbox 2 life simulation