Representative concentration pathways, or RCPs, portray possible greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions scenarios.  For looking at emissions scenarios in the nearer term (by 2050 or sooner), emissions projection pathways are not dramatically different, and as our current national and international framework supports us following a high (RCP 8.5) emissions scenario, its generally suggested for both these reasons that RCP 8.5 be used for nearer-term projections. For longer term projections, conservative analyses argue for the use of RCP 8.5, but it may be relevant depending on your goals to look at moderate pathways (RCP 4.5) at the same time, thinking of each pathways as a distinct possible future. There is no crystal ball for projections but a precautionary approach would argue for seriously considering the higher emissions scenario for future pathways analysis. Learn more with Cal-Adapt.