The Forum on Scenarios for Climate and Societal Futures (Scenarios Forum 2025) is an influential multi-disciplinary conference organised by the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures and the University of Leeds, building on the successes of previous forums in Denver (2019) and IIASA (2022).

Why are climate scenarios important?

Climate scenarios illustrate hypothetical climate futures dependent on the different amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) released into the atmosphere and investigate effectiveness and risks of different responses both in the form of:

• mitigation – reducing the flow of greenhouse gases and
• adaptation – anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking action to reduce these

The forum gathers experts from around the world to share knowledge, foster collaborations, and reflect on the use of climate scenarios, with a focus on identifying future research needs. 

Dedicated to advancing the use of socioeconomic scenarios in addressing some of the most complex and interconnected challenges of our time, this year’s forum is particularly timely as we navigate an era defined by rapid environmental shifts, social upheavals, and global uncertainties.

This year, we are expanding our horizons to explore the transformative potential of scenarios that address health, inform policy, and open up new possibilities for the future. The need for robust, integrative scenarios has never been greater, and the Scenarios Forum 2025 aims to be at the forefront of these critical discussions.

Scientific Advisory Committee

Organisational Committee