Integrated global models

Refers to the modeling of the complex dynamics of human-environment interactions at a global scale, be it for analyzing their history or to project their possible futures. This is accomplished using quantitative techniques and computer simulations. In them not every aspect of the world is included, but they try to mathematically represent the relationship of factors such as industrial output, population and pollution, amongst others; trying to investigate what would happen if a specific policy were to continue or change. Although these kinds of models have a 40-year history starting with the World2 and World3 models, truly integrated systems (those that take into account both natural and human factors) are still very rare.