Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs)

Scenarios of radiative forcing on the climate, typically extending up to 2100, generated using Integrated Assessment Models (See IAMs). They include the time series of the emissions and concentrations of GHGs, aerosols and chemically active gasses, as well as land use and cover. RCPs are used to create scenarios representing, for example, a 2˚ Celsius world or 1.5˚ Celsius world.

IPCC Definition