ABSTRACT
The fact that people's decisions shape the living conditions of future generations constitutes a responsibility of current decision makers, a duty to pay adequate attention to the impacts their decisions have not only immediately, but also for the generations to come. This chapter aims to clarify the different strategies used in dealing with uncertainties. In particular, it focuses on scenarios as a heuristic device. The chapter argues that if done properly, the combination of models and scenarios can support decision-making under uncertainty with improved information. To substantiate this argument, however, the chapter first clarifies what are scenarios, and then what are the suitable models, and what makes them 'suitable' as a basis for decision-making. From this basis, it draws some conclusions regarding how these tools can help taking better informed and thus potentially more responsible decisions. Recognising the indeterminacy of the future is the condition for any successful attempt at shaping it, hopefully for the better.
