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)
volatilization	The process of converting a chemical substance from a liquid or solid state to a gaseous or vapour state.	Land degradation and restoration assessment
vulnerability	The inability (of a system or a unit) to withstand the effects of a hostile environment, such as ecosystem and human society. The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being damaged.	Asia-Pacific assessment
vulnerability reduction	The propensity or predisposition to be adversely affected. Vulnerability encompasses a variety of concepts and elements including sensitivity or susceptibility to harm and lack of capacity to cope and adapt.	Land degradation and restoration assessment
vulnerable population	Those individuals or groups who have a greater probability than the population as a whole of being harmed and experiencing an impaired quality of life because of social, environmental, health, or economic conditions or policies.	Sustainable use assessment

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