In the context of IPBES, the summary terms to describe the state of knowledge are the following: Well established (certainty term): comprehensive meta-analysis or other synthesis or multiple independent studies that agree.; Established but incomplete (certainty term): general agreement although only a limited number of studies exist but no comprehensive synthesis and, or the studies that exist imprecisely address the question.; Unresolved (certainty term): multiple independent studies exist but conclusions do not agree.; Inconclusive (certainty term): limited evidence, recognising major kno

Ceremonial uses are defined as uses of wild species in spiritual observances and practices valued for their role in maintaining cultural identity and social reproduction.

One hundred years.

A causal effect can be defined in many ways, but essentially it amounts to the change in an outcome Y brought about by the change in a factor X. If X is a cause of Y then knowing something about X should help to predict something about Y that cannot be provided by another variable.

When the cause produces its effects in a remote and indirect manner, an explanation has to rely on causal chains, i.e. a continuous chain of causal mechanisms, where each step links a cause or combination of causes with its direct outcome, the latter being a direct cause of the subsequent outcome.

The upper limit of habitats, ecosystems, landscapes, waterscapes or seascapes or any other appropriate geographic unit to provide tangible and intangible goods and services (including aesthetics and spiritual services) in a sustained way without altering its bio-geo-chemical characteristics, ecosystem functions and endangering its own resilience to climate change, natural and anthropogenic perturbations.

See 'Carbon sequestration'.

A compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the governments on business profits, or added to the cost of goods, services, and transactions in proportion to the consequential amounts of carbon released into the atmosphere.

The technological process of capturing waste carbon dioxide from industry or power generation, and storing it so that it will not enter the atmosphere.

Any process, activity or mechanism that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.