FAQs

  • How can I be Involved?

    Please take the survey to shape the baseline direction of SEP.

    Help build the SEP coordination team. We are seeking nominations for the SEP Orchestration Working Group, particularly from researchers outside the Global North. Nominate below.

    Submit a paper to our Special Issueon “Socioeconomic futures frameworks for motivating actions for sustainability”inthe journalFutures.We aresolicitingscholarly contributions that articulate constructiveideas and improvements for scenario development. The deadline forinitialsubmission of full, review-ready drafts is January 3, 2027.

  • How should I share information about SEP with others?

    Please share our website and our survey link with your communities.

    • Website: sep.du.edu

    • Survey link:

    Below we provide a shortpitch onwhy people should contributeas well asslide decksready forcirculation.If you would likeadditionalrecruitment materials, please contactus.Textto share for motivation:

    Are you interested in shaping the next generation ofsocioeconomicscenariosused in climate change research, and beyond? The Shared Socioeconomic Pathways(SSP)framework has become foundational for climate and sustainability research, but many emerging challenges now extend its originaldesign,and it is time to start a collective process on how to evolve it. We want to hear your perspectives in a survey that will help us gather diverseviews on current limitationsof the SSPs, unmet needs and missing sectoral and regional perspectives, as well as your ideas for improving future scenario frameworks.Please visit /scenario-evolution-process/survey

    Slide decks for circulation:

  • Why is it named the Scenario Evolution Process (SEP)?

    Scenario:A central goal is to facilitate feedback, discussion, and understanding of the use and limitations of current global socio-economic scenarios. We are most interested in the current iteration of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs).

    Evolution:We are unsure of what will come next in the next evolution of global socioeconomic scenarios. It may be an update of the current scenarios, or a complete rework producing entirely new scenarios. Because we do not know what the next evolution will be, we use “evolution” as opposed to update, revamp, or another more definitive word.

    Process:This is an ongoing process with a timeline continuing into 2035.

  • Is SEP only for integrated assessment modelers?

    Of course not. Though global socio-economic scenarios are largely used by integrated assessment modelers, SEP should be of interest to anyone who uses, consumes research, or is interested in these types of scenarios.