The need for and use of socio-economic scenarios for climate change analysis: A new approach based on shared socio-economic pathways

► The concept of shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) is introduced. ► Different climate change analyses can be collected in a matrix defined by climate outcomes and SSPs. ► SSPs are restricted to socio-economic baseline assumptions, and can be augmented by climate policy. ► Key socio-economic dimensions for climate change analysis can be identified by locating the SSPs along the dimensions of challenges to mitigation and to adaptation. ► Integrated socio-economic scenarios is a useful focal point for collaborative work between IAM and IAV researchers.