Human activity has long since become a decisive factor in the Earth system; however, most models have so far only taken this into account insofar as human activity serves as model input, while the Earth system’s feedback effects on human activity are not represented. Using a prototype, we would like to initiate a discussion on how, for example, the perception of human agency or social norms can be integrated into such a model.
The Anthropocene is characterized by the fact that humanity has become a factor in the Earth system that plays a decisive role in shaping it. However, these interdependencies are not normally taken into account in Earth system modeling. Human behavior typically plays a role there only as an input (e.g., in the form of the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere), but the Earth system’s feedback effects on humans are not represented. Using a prototype, we would like to initiate a discussion on how we intend to integrate this in the future. In this context, factors such as individual perceptions—for example, of one’s own capacity to influence events, social norms, or risk assessments—also play a role.