A quantitative framework for global dialogue

Steering our ship to "avoid dangerous anthropogenic interference in the climate system" (UNFCCC article 2) requires balancing many risk and value judgements, and computer models may help provide a quantitative framework to help resolve the complex interactions. Yet these remain a mysterious "black box" to all but a few experts, whilst to effectively implement any global agreement requires the engagement of many citizens around the world. So we need some "democratisation" of climate science. The ultimate "integrated assessment model" will remain the global network of human heads, and the Java Climate Model is designed to assist this dialogue.

The code is also internationalised so the pop-up info and labels can be translated into any language (six are already available), and the model is compact and fast, considering users with slower computers and connections. Several users may share the same model by "remote control" across the internet. This works efficiently, sending only parameters as they change. However synchronisation may be a challenge. Alternatively users may record a script of model events to illustrate a point, and post this on the web for viewing by others later.