A climate model is a system of mathematical equations, configured to mathematically represent the physical processes at play in the earth's atmosphere and oceans, to enable us to better understand the current and past climate, and to project future changes in climate. This is done by utilizing computer simulations to examine how the atmospheric composition and various oceanic and land-surface factors interact and behave over certain areas for specific timescales. Such models are essential for understanding the complex mechanisms governing Earth's climate, and narrowing the range of uncertainty in future predictions.

See also: climate change, fossil fuel, ecological economics, renewable energy, nuclear power