Editor’s choice
Editor’s choice
Governments realize that climate change impacts both energy and water systems, but they still typically plan for each sector in isolation, often missing critical risks and trade-offs. Two planning tools, the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) and the Water Evaluation and Adaptation Planning (WEAP), can be used in tandem to gather data on how investment and resource allocation choices in one sector may impact the other.
By combining analysis from LEAP and WEAP, countries are able to identify options that might not have stood out when looking at a single model, helping decision-makers manage difficult trade-offs. And by combining these tools with macroeconomic modelling, governments are able to view the implications for GDP and sectoral growth of different allocations, which helps them assess the broader economic impacts of policy choices. At the same time, LEAP can help quantify the impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and air quality, enabling countries to prioritize both economic growth and sustainable development.
Using these tools can help governments prioritize climate resilience in development strategies, policies and budgets. While climate finance is a scarce resource, by combining LEAP, WEAP and macroeconomic modelling, governments can ensure that their investments will support long-term sustainable growth.
Read more about how these tools can support research and decision-making in this brief.
Tool / The Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) is a powerful, versatile system for energy planning and climate change mitigation assessment.
Tool / The Water Evaluation and Adaptation Planning tool (WEAP) provides a comprehensive and user-friendly framework for policy analysis in water resources planning.
Event on 01 July – 15 July / SEI scientists will host a four-day training on WEAP, SEI's flagship water modelling software, in July. Register today.
Past event / SEI scientists will host a four-day training on WEAP, SEI's flagship water modelling software, on 7, 9, 14 and 16 April. Register today.
SEI brief / WEAP is a tool for policymakers and stakeholders to assess climate impacts on water systems, explore adaptation options, and measure water conservation.
