IFs Model Areas
The International Futures (IFs) model integrates data on many major human, social, and environmental systems. The systems within the model are interconnected, making it possible for users to explore grand scale research questions. To make the most of the interconnectedness of IFs though, users need to understand how each system within the model is built and how it interacts with the other systems.
- Environmental Sustainability: Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, world forest area, fossil fuel usage
- Social/Political Change: Life expectancy, literacy rate, democracy level, status of women, value change
- Demographic Futures: Population levels and growth, fertility, mortality, migration
- Food and Agriculture: Land use and production levels, calorie availability, malnutrition rates
- Energy: Resource and production levels, demand patterns, renewable energy share
- Economics: Sectoral production, consumption, trade patterns and structural change
- Global System: Country and regional power levels
Scenarios are if-then statements about possible futures. Every if-then statement first starts as a question. For example, a researcher could ask, “What is the cost of conflict on human development in Yemen?” They might then use IFs to build scenarios around various policy interventions to explore possible answers to that question.
Users interested in learning how to build scenarios inside the IFs platform can learn more by reviewing the Guide to Scenario Analysis.
For any questions you may have about certain features of IFs, we have a series of videos, produced by our faculty partner Keith Gehring.
