DIAMOND: D6.4 – Report on communities of practice

DIAMOND’s key objective is to produce iteratively updated, upgraded, open-source versions of six leading integrated assessment models (IAMs). Two major challenges arise in this endeavour. First, the models should be associated with a community of users that will actively employ these models both during and beyond the duration of the project. Second, IAMs are usually associated with a steep learning curve, making it difficult for any new users to overcome the barriers to entry, familiarise with, and actively use the models. In this report, we attempt to tackle these two challenges, by reporting on the activities of the project to establish an active and engaged network of IAM developers and users, as well as organise capacity development activities. Focus is placed on preexisting dedicated communities of each model, broader modelling communities, forums, and conferences, as well as communities in the broader sustainability landscape. The report also presents courses developed to train the young generation of scientists and modellers, as well as the plans for organising capacity development webinars. The report will continue to be updated as more communities and capacity development activities are organised in the duration of the project.