Page - 9 - in options, Volume summer 2020

Science into policy Modeling Israel’s energy future By 2050, Israel’s population is projected to almost double, expanding from 9 million to 17.6 million people, according to government projections. The country, similar in land area to Belgium, already has one of the highest population densities in the world. With the growing population density and impacts of climate change on temperature and water availability, Israel’s energy system is expected to be stressed by greatly increased demand. At the same time, the country aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which demands a growing investment in renewable energy options. In December 2019, IIASA researchers presented a new energy analysis to policymakers with the Israeli Ministry of Energy. The analysis, developed through a collaboration of IIASA and Israeli researchers, provides pathways to achieve needed energy capacity and emissions reductions at the lowest possible cost. Using the IIASA MESSAGE energy optimization model and Global Biosphere Management Model (GLOBIOM), Israeli researchers Ruslana Rachel Palatnik and Ayelet Davidovitch, and IIASA researchers Volker Krey, Matthew Gidden, and Keywan Riahi modified the framework to apply specifically to Israel’s unique context. The analysis presents four scenarios based on a range of policy options and climate and socioeconomic developments, thereby presenting Israeli policymakers with a useful set of options and analysis of needed investments as they plan for the future. The analysis will allow decision makers to better understand the costs, trade-offs, and potential consequences of their decisions for meeting targets in terms of both energy needs and climate change mitigation, enabling them to make more robust choices for the future of the country. Keywan Riahi: riahi@iiasa.ac.at Volker Krey: krey@iiasa.ac.at Further info: www.iiasa.ac.at/MESSAGE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND SCIENCE DIPLOMACY DIGITAL FUTURES IN EURASIA IIASA-OECD REPORT INFORMS GLOBAL CHALLENGES A global digital transformation poses great economic opportunities, as well as serious challenges. In 2019, IIASA continuously contributed to deliberations by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on this subject. A side event was also organized at the 26th OSCE Ministerial Council in December to provide evidence- based input and different perspectives on how to promote economic cooperation, progress, and security in Europe and Eurasia through new technologies and connectivity in the digital era. www.iiasa.ac.at/events/OSCE-19 In December 2019, IIASA organized a workshop on "Connectivity in the Digital Age. Digital Futures of Trade and Economic Cooperation in Eurasia". This event brought together experts from relevant leading think tanks and international organizations to discuss how to promote connectivity, strengthen economic ties, and create new business opportunities through new technologies and digitalization. www.iiasa.ac.at/events/Connectivity-19 In February, IIASA and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released a new report: Systemic thinking for policymaking: The potential of systems analysis for addressing global policy challenges in the 21st century. The report is the fruit of a strategic partnership with the OECD established in 2018, and provides timely insights into the value of systems analysis for addressing interconnected global economic, environmental, and health systems. www.iiasa.ac.at/news/OECD-20 9Optionswww.iiasa.ac.at Summer 2020