Global-initiative Environmental Assessment Modeling (GLEAM) aims to develop a periodic exchange platform for discussions and brainstorming on the issue of globally integrated environmental assessment, notably model-supported assessment. The platform was launched as International Forum for Globally-Integrated Assessment Modeling, by the United Nations University (UNU) and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in 2003.

There is a broad range of models available for assessment, but often they focus on a limited domain of the total environment. These include dynamic models such as climate models, lake models, river basin models, and weather/meteorological models as well as �estatic�f models like economic models, scenario assessment models, and risk assessment models. As each of these models is restricted to a limited component(s) of the environment, it is possible that some critical detail is overlooked. Another major challenge for assessment models is the incorporation of social aspects such as individual and group behavior as well as institutional arrangements and performance.The last few decades have seen a dramatic improvement of various aspects of modeling. On one hand, new, advanced modeling techniques like agent-based systems and cellular automata have been introduced and on the other model input data of increasingly higher temporal and spatial resolutions have become available due to the advancements of satellite remote sending and GIS. With these developments in modeling and observations, integrated assessment has become a feasible goal.

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)