Criterion 1: Consistency with global projections. They should be consistent with a broad range of global warming projections based on increased concentrations of greenhouse gases. This range is variously cited as 1.4℃ to 5.8℃ by 2100, or 1.5℃ to 4.5℃ for a doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration (otherwise known as the "equilibrium climate sensitivity").
Criterion 2: Physical plausibility. They should be physically plausible; that is, they should not violate the basic laws of physics. Hence, changes in one region should be physically consistent with those in another region and globally. In addition, the combination of changes in different variables (which are often correlated with each other) should be physically consistent.
Criterion 3: Applicability in impact assessments. They should describe changes in a sufficient number of variables on a spatial and temporal scale that allows for impact assessment. For example, impact models may require input data on variables such as precipitation, solar radiation, temperature, humidity and windspeed at spatial scales ranging from global to site and at temporal scales ranging from annual means to daily or hourly values.
Criterion 4: Representative. They should be representative of the potential range of future regional climate change. Only in this way can a realistic range of possible impacts be estimated.
Criterion 5: Accessibility. They should be straightforward to obtain, interpret and apply for impact assessment. Many impact assessment projects include a separate scenario development component which specifically aims to address this last point. The DDC and this guidance document are also designed to help meet this need.