"This book describes the structure, assumptions, philosophy and results of an advanced global integrated assessment model: TARGETS (Tool to Assess Regional and Global Environmental and health Targets for Sustainability). For a selective number of future directions, determined by different perspectives on how the world system functions and is managed, the model charts global implications in terms of population and health, energy, land- and water-use and biogeochemical cycles. By indicating to what extent these directions involve certain levels of risks, a circumspect appraisal is made as to whether the chosen future direction is sustainable or unsustainable. This integrated assessment approach has led to innovative fresh insights into global change."--BOOK JACKET. "The book will help policymakers formulate the strategies required for a sustainable global future. It will be of interest to a broad audience, from researchers and modellers of global change in science and social science, to policy analysts, decision makers and economists, and students of all aspects of global change."--BOOK JACKET.