Overview
The IPCC Scenarios Data Explorer is an interactive online tool that presents data on Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), a set of future global scenarios used in UN climate assessments. It visualises socioeconomic and emissions trajectories under differing assumptions about population, economic growth, energy systems and technology. Finance professionals can use it to contextualise long-term climate risks and scenario analysis in economic and emissions terms.
Organisation behind the tool
The tool is developed and maintained by Our World in Data, a UK-based data publication project operated by the Global Change Data Lab. It aggregates scenario data originally assembled for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
What the tool does
• Provides interactive visualisation of Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) scenario data.
• Allows selection and comparison of multiple variables (e.g. population, GDP, energy, emissions).
• Offers charting and downloadable data formats for analysis.
• Enables users to explore how socioeconomic futures relate to greenhouse gas trajectories.
• Presents scenario narratives alongside quantitative data for interpretation.
Target audience
The primary audience includes climate researchers, analysts and policymakers. Secondary users include educators, students, sustainability professionals and the general public seeking structured scenario data.
Relevance to finance professionals
Risk assessment
• Scenario-based modelling for physical climate risk and economic exposures.
• Input into stress testing and long-term risk frameworks.
ESG analysis
• Quantitative socioeconomic and emissions indicators useful for environmental and climate reporting.
• Supports disclosure aligned with climate scenarios.
Market/commodity insights
• Data on energy and economic trajectories relevant to energy, infrastructure and commodity markets.
• Baseline projections for transition risk and technology adoption.
Investment context
• Long-term trends across macroeconomic and emissions pathways.
• Scenario inputs for portfolio climate sensitivity and strategic planning.
