A new Version of Integrated Assessment Model MERGE

Abstract

The optimization Model for Evaluating Regional and Global Effects of greenhouse gases reduction<br />policies named MERGE is an actively usable tool for studying some aspects of the problem of climate change.<br />It is first of all destined for the quantitative estimation of emission trajectories and results of applying<br />abatement measures. In the paper, the emphasis is on the adaptation of the integrated assessment model<br />MERGE to the modern state of the world and regional economy and on the analysis of possibilities of Russia's<br />participation in some Kyoto-type initiatives on greenhouse gases emission reduction under different<br />assumptions on the dynamics of regional economic-energetic indices. Calculations with the MERGE model<br />demonstrated the attainability of the national emission targets: stabilizing the carbon dioxide emissions at 75<br />per cent of the 1990 level by 2020 with further reducing to 70 per cent by 2030. Some trends in the structure<br />of energy sector and fossil fuel exports are also analyzed.