En-ROADS & C-ROADS: Optimized Climate Policy Analysis for Sustainable Development

With the onset of climate change and several factors impacting the efficacy of single-faceted approaches to climate change, a bilateral approach across many realms is needed to make an impact on the growing threats facing the environment. Through the use of systematic analysis by way of C-ROADS and En-ROADS, numerous scenarios have been simulated to shed light on the most imperative and manageable factors to mitigate climate change. Upon conducting regional and national simulations on C-ROADS, it was determined that the impacts of deforestation and afforestation in developing countries are frequently more impactful than efforts to deforestation and promote afforestation by the United States and the European Union. Individual efforts by countries in Asia such as China and India prove helpful, although complete afforestation is seemingly unattainable. Upon conducting a comprehensive analysis of global trends through En-ROADS, intriguing patterns appeared between the length of a policy initiative, and the stages incurred throughout the remediation time frame. Quick and convenient policies over a shorter time frame saw a reduction in greenhouse gas over the short run, but spiked after the short period of legislation, putting certain age groups at risk in the process. Favorable domestic policy initiatives include moderate taxation of oil ($30 per BOE), and increased timeframes (50+ years) for policy initiatives, allowing communities to adapt to changes, and make permanent strides in the climate arena. Other actionable items include a moderate increase in the price of carbon emissions across the board from $0 to $30 per ton emitted, and a 33% reduction of coal usage through renewable technology no later than 2030 to prevent economic loss that could occur if reductions in coal usage start at later dates. Finally, a slight increase in bioenergy subsidies ($10 per BOE) and renewable energy ($.02 per kWh), present positive returns on investment, and ultimately the fight against climate change. Through this systematic analysis of assumptions and policy on the efficacy of climate change remediation efforts, an optimized and economically-friendly solution arises.