These describe potential scenarios for societal change through 2100. Using complex Integrated Assessment Models, SSPs anticipate how possible changes in population, energy use, and technology, among other things, could influence—and be influenced by—climate change.
The Scenarios are:
SSP1: Sustainability (taking the green road) RCP 1.9-2.6
1 – 2.4ºC degrees of warming by 2100
SSP2: Middle of the road scenario RCP 4.5 (most likely)
2.1 – 3.5ºC degrees warming by 2100
SSP3: Regional Rivalry (a rocky road) RCP 7.0
2.1 -3.5ºC degrees warming by 2100
SSP4: Inequality (a road divided)
(RCP and degrees warming not provided in IPCC6)
SSP5: Fossil-fueled Development (taking the highway) RCP 9.5
3.3 – 5.7 degrees of warming by 2100