Speaker – Erica Thompson, Senior Policy Fellow, Ethics of Modelling and Simulation at the LSE Data Science Institute, UK (London School of Economics), Website (hosted by W. Robinson), Zoom only. 

Seminar Title – Escaping from Model Land

Abstract – We seek to understand the future of the climate system by making models, but it is not easy to assess the degree of confidence we should have in different kinds of models.  With reference to models of weather, climate, and climate policy, I will explain how and why we need to get out of Model Land and make statements that apply to the real world, and what the consequences are for those engaged in modelling and policy-relevant science.  In particular I consider the ways that value judgements can become embedded in models, how to work with ensembles or groups of models, and why model diversity is important.