Access to time series data. The synthetic country plots provide the evaluators with easy access to long-term (1990-present) time series of GHG emissions, which can be used in analysing the impacts of policy and other interventions. The time series shows the UNFCC reported values and estimates from bottom-up or top-down models and milestones such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. For example, for specific gas and activity (e.g. CO2 from grasslands), the synthetic plot shows the UNFCCC inventory values and, for grasslands, estimations from the ECOSSE carbon model and the ORCHIDEE land surface model.
Relevance for triangulation. The evaluator can visually inspect the differences and similarities of the models. This simultaneous presentation of estimates from different bottom-up and top-down models and inventory values can support data triangulation. Triangulation is often used and recommended in evaluations to compare findings from various sources and reach evidence-based conclusions. Significant differences between UNFCCC Tier 1 values and model estimates may highlight and trigger the need to upgrade UNFCCC reporting to Tier 2 or even Tier 3 approaches, at least for essential activities. Time series can be used to forecast the future values of emissions. Such forecasts can be used to monitor the policy’s evolution towards the Nationally Determined Commitments or other policy targets.
Access to the tool is free after registration, and there is no limit on the number of downloaded country plots. The user can also download the data used to produce each plot in csv format.
