The process of systematically comparing sets of model predictions against measured data in order to evaluate model performance.

The study of the influence of emotions and opinions on the decisions people and organizations make in spending and saving. Behavioural economics suggests that human decisions are strongly influenced by context, including the way in which choices are presented to us. Behaviour varies across time and space, and it is subject to cognitive biases, emotions, and social influences. Decisions are the result of less deliberative, linear and controlled processes.

interventions can close or ‘bridge’ the gap between values and behaviour by ensuring that the various conditions are met that together enable people to act consistently with sustainability-aligned values. These conditions can be categorized as providing (i) capability, (ii) opportunity and (iii) motivation to act.

The husbandry of bees, especially honey bees (the genus Apis) but can be applied to other bees (see Managed pollinators).

A minimum or starting point to which to compare other information (e.g. for comparisons between past and present or before and after an intervention).

Area occupied by the cross-section of tree trunks and stems at base height (130cm from the ground). It is used to characterize different variables in forest ecology and management, e.g. forest structure, productivity and growth rate.

A land cover class that includes any geographic area dominated by natural abiotic surfaces (bare soil, sand, rocks and so on) where the natural vegetation is absent or almost absent (covers less than 2%).

Ballast water is water carried in ships’ ballast tanks to improve stability, balance and trim. It is taken up or discharged when cargo is unloaded or loaded, or when a ship needs extra stability in foul weather. When ships take on ballast water, plants and animals that live in the ocean are also picked up.

Areas where most soil has been eroded away.

Land-based climate change mitigation strategy based on maintaining and expanding global forest area, and thus the carbon uptake of forest ecosystems in biomass and soil.