Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.

Model system for the Climate Scenarios for the Netherlands

This system helps KNMI understand how the climate is changing in the Netherlands and on the BES islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba). To this end, KNMI produces climate scenarios: clear stories and figures about how the climate may change in the future. The KNMI uses this knowledge to inform society and provides advice and warnings about the consequences of climate change.

Last change on 1st of October 2025, at 7:41 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0
Publication category
Other algorithms
Impact assessment
Field not filled in.
Status
In use

General information

Theme

  • Space and Infrastructure
  • Education and Science
  • Nature and Environment

Begin date

2006

Contact information

informatiecentrum@knmi.nl

Link to publication website

https://knmi.nl

Responsible use

Goal and impact

The system aims to increase understanding about climate and climate change in the Netherlands and the BES islands. And the system is intended to inform society about climate change and warn of the consequences.

Considerations

The algorithm system simplifies the process of processing (physical) climate data. It ensures that the climate scientist has reliable information when preparing climate scenarios and informing about climate change and its consequences.

Human intervention

The climate scientists determine the input conditions and parameters with which the calculations are performed by the system and then prepare the national climate scenarios.

Risk management

The algorithm system is included in the algorithm register for transparency. There are few risks in this algorithm system. It supports the climate scientist in his work.

Legal basis

The system is used in the performance of KNMI's statutory tasks related to climate.

Links to legal bases

Law duties meteorology and seismology: https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0037074/2016-01-01

Operations

Data

The KNMI uses data from time series of the KNMI, from other countries, and from European organisations and the WMO.

Links to data sources

  • EC-EARTH: https://ec-earth.org/
  • KNMI: https://knmi.nl

Technical design

The technical system is an Earth System Model (ESM). This is a physical model of the Earth's climate system. KNMI uses EC-Earth for this purpose. This is developed and managed by the international EC-EARTH consortium, of which KNMI is a member. It is run on various High Performance Computers (HPCs). The resulting climate forecasts serve as the basis for our climate scenarios for the Netherlands and the BES islands, such as the KNMI '23 climate scenarios (https://www.knmi.nl/kennis-en-datacentrum/achtergrond/knmi-23-klimaatscenario-s).

Similar algorithm descriptions

  • This system helps KNMI create and publish the daily weather forecast for the Netherlands and the BES islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba). With this forecast, we inform society about the weather for today and the coming days. We also issue a warning in case of dangerous or extreme weather. This allows everyone (citizens, businesses) to prepare and act safely.

    Last change on 1st of October 2025, at 7:43 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0
    Publication category
    Other algorithms
    Impact assessment
    Field not filled in.
    Status
    In use
  • The programme provides a visual representation of traffic flow on roads and intersections. The reality and possible future situation are sketched and simulated based on the inputs. With this computer model, options for road and intersection layouts and traffic arrangements can be compared and thus help with advice and choices.

    Last change on 23rd of August 2024, at 15:21 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0
    Publication category
    Other algorithms
    Impact assessment
    Field not filled in.
    Status
    In use