Projection — Science definition
A conditional estimate based on stated future assumptions.
Where it is taught
- Climate Evidence, Trends & Projections — Oceans, Carbon & Climate, Earth & Space Science, Grade 9
In use
A climate projection asks what may happen under specified assumptions, such as an emissions pathway.
Climate Evidence, Trends & Projections
Questions using projection
Problem 1
Why state an emissions scenario with a projection?
Answer and explanation
The projected outcome depends partly on assumptions about future emissions.
Problem 2
A projection differs from a prediction because a projection states
- a certainty
- what follows if a given scenario holds
- the past
- an opinion
Answer and explanation
what follows if a given scenario holds
Projections are conditional on assumptions about future emissions and policy.