“Reflecting on the unique challenges of modelling for developing countries, Professor Shukla emphasised the need for models that accurately capture the informal and household realities of these regions. He also underscored the importance of developing disaggregated, sub-national models to support evidence-based policymaking at regional and city levels.”
As the world faces the urgent need for actionable climate solutions, advancements in climate science and policy modelling play a critical role in guiding sustainable development pathways. Integrated Assessment Modelling, a key discipline that informs global climate policies, has gained prominence for its ability to simulate complex interactions between the economy, society, and the environment.
Recognizing his groundbreaking contributions in this field, the Integrated Assessment Modelling Consortium (IAMC) has awarded Professor Priyadarshi Shukla, a Distinguished Professor and a Climate and Energy Scientist from Ahmedabad University, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. IAMC is an international organisation of research institutions that pursues a scientific understanding of issues associated with integrated assessment modelling and analysis.
Presented at the IAMC’s 17th annual meeting held at Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea, this award honours Professor Shukla’s outstanding work in advancing Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) that help policymakers develop resilient climate strategies. For over three decades, Professor Shukla has been at the forefront of developing and applying IAMs at both the global and national levels, contributing to models such as the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM), the Asia-Pacific Integrated Model (AIM), and the MARKAL Model. His work has provided crucial insights into India’s climate strategies, enabling data-based policy decisions in key areas of sustainable development and climate resilience.
Professor Shukla expressed his gratitude to the IAMC community in a virtual message delivered at the award ceremony. Reflecting on the unique challenges of modelling for developing countries, he emphasized the need for models that accurately capture the informal and household realities of these regions. Professor Shukla also underscored the importance of developing disaggregated, sub-national models to support evidence-based policymaking at regional and city levels.
Stanford University alumnus Professor Shukla also served as Co-Chair of Working Group III in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC’s) 6th Assessment Cycle. The IPCC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for its longstanding contributions to climate science. It has shared this honour with those who have made significant contributions to its mission. Professor Shukla is one of the scientists whose work has been recognized by the IPCC.
