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Glossary definitions

The IPBES glossary terms definitions page provides definitions of terms used in IPBES assessments. Some definitions in this online glossary have been edited for consistency. Please refer to the specific assessment glossary for citations/authorities of definitions. 

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Concept Definition Deliverable(s)
human well-being

see well-being.

Scenarios and models assessment
human-nature relations

The ways in which people relate to and engage with the natural environment, which are diverse and linked to worldviews, values and attitudes embedded in daily life.

Values assessment
humanistic economics

Humanistic economics intend to show that humankind is perfectly capable of living without the profit motive, and has done so for most of its history. It goes again the tendency to consider the profit motive as self-evident, an idea that underlies many political decisions. See also Behavioural economics.

Land degradation and restoration assessment
humification

Decomposition of organic material followed by a synthesis of humic substances.

Land degradation and restoration assessment
hunting

The capture by humans of wild mammals, birds, and reptiles, whether dead or alive, irrespective of the techniques used to capture them or the reasons to do so.

Global assessment (1st work programme)
hybrid model

See models.

hybrid model

Models that combine correlative and process-based modelling approaches.

Scenarios and models assessment
hydraulic fracturing

An oil and gas well development process that typically involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals under high pressure into a bedrock formation via the well. This process is intended to create new fractures in the rock as well as increase the size, extent, and connectivity of existing fractures. Hydraulic fracturing is a well-stimulation technique used commonly in low-permeability rocks like tight sandstone, shale, and some coal beds to increase oil and/or gas flow to a well from petroleum-bearing rock formations.

Land degradation and restoration assessment
hydrothermal vent

A fissure on the floor of a sea out of which flows water that has been heated by underlying magma. The water can be as hot as 400°C (752°F) and usually contains dissolved minerals that precipitate out of it upon contact with the colder seawater, building a stack of minerals, or chimney. Hydrothermal vents form an ecosystem for microbes and animals, such as tube worms, giant clams, and blind shrimp, that can with stand the hostile environment. The hottest hydrothermal vents are called black smokers because they spew iron and sulfide which combine to form iron mono sulfide, a black compound.

Asia-Pacific assessment
hypoxia

Low dissolved oxygen levels in coastal and oceanic waters (<2mL per liter of water), either naturally occurring or as a result of a degradation (e.g. eutrophication).

Sustainable use assessment, Global assessment (1st work programme)
zoonotic disease

Zoonotic disease or zoonoses are directly transmitted from animals to humans via various routes of transmission (e.g. air - influenza; bites and saliva - rabies).

Asia-Pacific assessment, Sustainable use assessment, Global assessment (1st work programme), Africa assessment
zoonotic disease

Are directly transmitted from animals to humans via various routes of transmission (e.g. air - influenza; bites and saliva - rabies).

Americas assessment