Climate scientists retire RCP8.5 from future model runs (opens in new tab)

Climate researchers have retired the high-emissions RCP8.5/SSP5-8.5 pathway from future model runs after concluding it is no longer plausible, and will use a new set of marker pathways. Updated assumptions about coal use and renewable energy drove the revision, but scientists said substantial warming risks remain. The change drew political responses, including claims that it canceled climate concerns.Highlights:Scenario assumptions: RCP8.5 assumed CO₂ emissions would triple and coal consumpti...