The process of adjusting to and coping with the impacts of climate change, including changes in temperature, precipitation, sea levels, and extreme weather events. Adaptation measures may involve modifying infrastructure, land use planning, and natural resource management to increase resilience.
Aeroponics is a soilless cultivation method where plants are suspended and nutrient-rich water is sprayed directly onto their roots via misting systems. This precise delivery ensures optimal nutrient uptake and hydration, fostering efficient plant growth in controlled environments.This soil-free environment reduces exposure to pathogens, minimizing the need for agrochemicals.
Agrifood is an economic sector that encompasses all activities related to the production, processing, and marketing of food products. This sector is essential for providing food to the population and involves a wide range of activities, from farming to the food industry.
Agritech, or agricultural technology, refers to the advanced application and use of technology in agriculture to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in farming practices. This discipline encompasses a wide range of technologies, including the use of drones for field monitoring, smart sensors for data collection, the application of artificial intelligence for crop optimization, and the implementation of automated systems.
“Alternative proteins” encompass protein sources beyond the conventional animal-derived options like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. They span plants, algae, fungi, and other non-animal origins. Rising interest in alternative proteins stems from environmental sustainability worries, animal welfare impacts, and the quest for novel protein sources amid a rapidly growing global population.
Analytics are the methodical examination, interpretation, and extraction of valuable insights from data. This practice is indispensable across various sectors, enabling data-driven decision-making and fostering competitive advantages.
Aquaponics is a sustainable agricultural system that integrates hydroponic plant cultivation with aquaculture. It creates a symbiotic environment where fish waste provides nutrients for plants, which, in turn, filter and purify the water for the fish. This closed-loop system optimizes efficiency and reduces water usage.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, learning, and decision-making. It traces its roots back to the mid-20th century when the term was first coined. Over the decades, AI has evolved significantly, with breakthroughs in machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning algorithms. Today, AI finds applications in various fields, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment, revolutionizing industries and shaping the future of technology.
Big data are vast and intricate datasets compiled from diverse sources such as social media, sensors, and transactions. It poses challenges in storage, processing, and analysis due to its sheer volume and complexity. Organizations leverage advanced technologies like data mining and artificial intelligence to derive valuable insights and patterns from big data. However, concerns about privacy, security, and ethical implications arise, making it a significant societal concern.
“Bio-Social” typically refers to the combined influences of biological and social factors on various aspects of human behavior, health, and well-being. It emphasizes the interconnectedness and mutual influence between biological processes (such as genetics, physiology, and neurobiology) and social factors (such as culture, family dynamics) in shaping individual and collective experiences.
Biodiversity, a term derived from biological diversity, is the array of animal and plant species found within an ecosystem or designated area. It serves as the cornerstone for ecological stability and resilience against environmental challenges, crucial for sustaining ecosystems, providing ecosystem services, and supporting human well-being.
The biodiversity economy is a framework that values biodiversity and ecosystems, integrating their benefits into economic decisions. It aims for sustainable practices, preventing biodiversity loss, and preserving ecosystems’ resilience. It treats biodiversity as an asset, promoting solutions balancing economic development with conservation. This approach involves governments, businesses, communities, and NGOs for sustainable economic development while preserving biological richness.
An area with exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism, as well as significant threats to biodiversity, making it a priority for conservation efforts and protection.
Biomimetic or Biomimicry is the practice of emulating nature’s designs and processes to address human challenges. It involves learning from the efficiency and sustainability of natural systems to innovate in various fields, from materials science to architecture, medicine to robotics.
BioTech, short for Biology Technology, is a multidisciplinary field that utilizes living organisms or their derivatives to develop useful products and improve processes. This includes creating medicines, enhancing agricultural yields, and advancing environmental solutions through genetic manipulation, fermentation, and other innovative techniques.
Blockchain is a revolutionary technology that securely records transactions in a decentralized and transparent manner. It is commonly linked with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin but is also utilized across various industries for tasks such as supply chain tracking and data management.
Blue carbon is the carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These ecosystems have the ability to sequester and store large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
Blue economy is the sustainable utilization of ocean resources to promote economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and generate employment opportunities, while safeguarding the health and integrity of marine ecosystems. It encompasses all economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coastal areas, including both established and emerging sectors, and encourages responsible stewardship of marine resources to maximize economic benefits while preserving ecological balance and non-market values such as carbon storage, coastal protection, cultural heritage, and biodiversity.
The total amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, emitted directly or indirectly by human activities, such as transportation, energy production, and industrial processes. Calculating carbon footprints helps individuals and organizations understand their contribution to climate change.
Carbon neutral is a state where the net carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere are balanced by an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide removal or offsetting activities, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Carbon neutrality is achieved when an individual, organization, or entity reduces, avoids, or offsets their carbon emissions to effectively eliminate their carbon footprint, thus contributing to mitigating climate change.
The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or emissions sources, typically through natural or engineered processes. Carbon sequestration helps mitigate climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Examples include reforestation, afforestation, and carbon capture and storage technologies.
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is a farming method conducted within enclosed environments like greenhouses or growth chambers, facilitating meticulous regulation of environmental factors such as climate and lighting.
Circular economy is a sustainable approach that prioritizes resource efficiency and waste reduction. It emphasizes recycling, remanufacturing, and reusing materials to minimize environmental impact and foster long-term sustainability. While the term gained prominence in the late 20th century, the principles of circularity have been ingrained in traditional practices throughout human history.
Climate change is the long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. It’s largely caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions, leading to rising temperatures, melting ice caps, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events.
The capacity of natural and human systems to anticipate, respond to, and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses while maintaining essential functions and minimizing negative impacts on livelihoods and well-being. Building climate resilience involves adaptive measures to reduce vulnerability and increase preparedness for climate change impacts.
Collaboration is the process of working together to achieve a common goal. It involves individuals or groups pooling their strengths, resources, and expertise to solve problems, innovate, or create something new. Effective collaboration fosters communication, trust, and synergy among team members, leading to greater efficiency and success in reaching shared objectives.
Connections are the links and relationships between diverse elements, like individuals, concepts, or ideas. They facilitate understanding and problem-solving by providing pathways for information exchange and collaboration, enhancing overall coherence and effectiveness.
The management and protection of biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources to ensure their long-term sustainability, often involving strategies such as habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and protected area designation.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a business approach that integrates social and environmental concerns into its operations and interactions with stakeholders. It entails ethical decision-making, sustainability practices, and contributions to societal well-being beyond profit maximization.
Culture is the collective expression of shared beliefs, customs, values, and behaviors within a society or group. It encompasses traditions, language, arts, and social norms, shaping individuals’ identities and influencing their interactions and perceptions. Defined by how we live and relate to others and the living world, culture profoundly impacts every aspect of human existence.
Design is the intentional creation or planning of objects, systems, or experiences to fulfill specific purposes or meet certain objectives. It involves problem-solving, creativity, and strategic thinking to address human needs and enhance functionality, aesthetics, and usability. At its core, design shapes the way we interact with the world around us, influencing our experiences, behaviors, and perceptions.
Digital is the representation or manipulation of information in the form of electronic signals or data. It encompasses technologies and processes that utilize binary code, such as computers, smartphones, and digital media. Digitalization has transformed various aspects of society, including communication, commerce, and entertainment, reshaping how we access, create, and interact with information.
Diversity is the existence of variety or differences within a system, group, or environment. It encompasses a broad spectrum of elements, including but not limited to species, ecosystems, cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Embracing diversity involves recognizing, respecting, and valuing this richness of variation. It fosters resilience, adaptability, and innovation, contributing to the vitality and sustainability of ecosystems, societies, and organizations.
Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or aircraft that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using onboard computers. They are equipped with various sensors and cameras for navigation, surveillance, mapping, data collection, and other applications. Drones have diverse uses across industries, from agriculture and construction to filmmaking and environmental monitoring. They enable efficient and cost-effective operations, enhance safety, and provide valuable insights from aerial perspectives.
The process of repairing, restoring, or reestablishing degraded or damaged ecosystems to their original state or a desired ecological condition, often through active intervention and management.
Economic sustainability involves managing resources and finances in a way that supports long-term prosperity and resilience. It includes promoting economic growth that is inclusive, equitable, and environmentally responsible, as well as fostering innovation, efficiency, and ethical business practices.
Economy is the intricate network of activities and transactions that involve the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services within a society or geographical area. It encompasses the utilization of resources, labor, technology, and capital to meet the needs and wants of individuals, businesses, and governments. The economy is the engine that drives the wealth creation and allocation process within a given community or nation.
The range of different ecosystems, habitats, and ecological processes within a defined geographic area, encompassing diverse biotic communities and abiotic factors.
Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems. These services include provisioning services (such as food, water, and raw materials), regulating services (such as climate regulation and flood control), cultural services (such as recreation and aesthetic enjoyment), and supporting services (such as nutrient cycling and soil formation). Ecosystem services are essential for human well-being and the functioning of economies, but they are often undervalued and threatened by human activities.
Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems. These services include provisioning services (such as food, water, and raw materials), regulating services (such as climate regulation and flood control), cultural services (such as recreation and aesthetic enjoyment), and supporting services (such as nutrient cycling and soil formation). Ecosystem services are essential for human well-being and the functioning of economies, but they are often undervalued and threatened by human activities.
Education is the process of facilitating learning, acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. It encompasses formal schooling, informal learning, and lifelong learning opportunities. Education empowers individuals, fosters personal and intellectual growth, and promotes social and economic development. It plays a fundamental role in shaping individuals and societies, driving progress, and addressing global challenges.
The ecological phenomenon where a species is native and restricted to a specific geographic area or region, typically due to isolation, habitat specialization, or evolutionary history.
Energy is the capacity to do work, transform, and transfer heat or power. It exists in various forms such as kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, electrical, and radiant energy. Energy powers our daily activities, drives technological advancements, and sustains life on Earth. It is fundamental to economic development, social progress, and environmental sustainability.
This pillar focuses on protecting and preserving natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity. It involves minimizing pollution, reducing resource consumption, promoting renewable energy, and conserving habitats to maintain ecological balance and resilience.
Equality is the state of being equal, particularly in terms of rights, opportunities, and treatment for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics. Equality fosters inclusivity, justice, and social cohesion in diverse societies, promoting a more equitable and harmonious world for all.
Farmers are individuals or groups engaged in agricultural practices, such as crop cultivation and livestock rearing, with the goal of producing food and other agricultural products.
Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches, into alcohol or organic acids using microorganisms like yeast or bacteria. It is widely used in food production to create products like bread, yogurt, cheese, and beer. Fermentation also plays a role in industrial processes for producing biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
Finance is the management of money and investments, involving activities such as borrowing, lending, budgeting, investing, and risk management. It encompasses various sectors, including personal finance, corporate finance, and public finance. Effective financial management is essential for individuals, businesses, and governments to achieve their goals and sustain economic stability.
FinTech, short for financial technology, is an evolving sector that leverages technological advancements to revolutionize and automatize the delivery and utilization of financial services.
It is made possible by technological innovation, which can result in new business models, processes or products, and even new market players.
It is made possible by technological innovation, which can result in new business models, processes or products, and even new market players.
Gender equality is the principle of ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for people of all genders. It involves challenging stereotypes and discrimination based on gender, promoting gender equity in various spheres of life, including education, employment, and representation in decision-making processes. Gender equality aims to create a fair and inclusive society where individuals are valued for their abilities and contributions regardless of gender.
The variety of genetic information within a species population or between different populations of the same species, essential for adaptation, resilience, and evolutionary processes.
The long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature, primarily due to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions trapping heat in the atmosphere, leading to changes in climate patterns.
Green economy is an economic system that prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. It focuses on promoting resource efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering the use of renewable energy sources. In the green economy, economic growth is pursued in ways that minimize negative impacts on the environment and enhance the well-being of both present and future generations.
Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and resulting in global warming. Common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases.
The specific environment or ecological niche in which an organism or community of organisms naturally occurs, characterized by particular physical, chemical, and biological factors.
Health is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, not only for individuals but also for animals, societies, and ecosystems. It encompasses not only the absence of illness or disease but also the ability to lead a fulfilling life. Health is influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, environment, and access to healthcare services. Achieving optimal health requires a balance of physical fitness, mental resilience, and social support.
Hydroponics is a soilless farming method that involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution. Instead of soil, plants are suspended in a growing medium or supported by structures, allowing their roots to access water and nutrients directly. This method promotes efficient water usage and enables precise control over growing conditions, leading to increased yields and faster growth rates compared to traditional soil-based farming. Hydroponics is widely used in commercial agriculture, urban farming, and home gardening to cultivate a variety of crops.
Impact refers to the influence or effect that something has on its surroundings, whether it’s individuals, communities, ecosystems, or broader systems. It encompasses both positive and negative outcomes, shaping the way we interact with the world.
Innovation is the process of introducing new ideas, methods, or products that bring about positive change and improvement. It involves creativity, problem-solving, and the willingness to challenge conventional approaches, driving progress across various fields and sectors.
Innovators are individuals or groups who lead the way in creating and implementing new ideas, products, or processes. They are driven by creativity, curiosity, and a desire to solve problems or meet needs in innovative ways, often pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring others to do the same.
Non-native species that are introduced to a new environment and have negative impacts on native species, ecosystems, and human activities, often outcompeting native species, disrupting ecological processes, and causing economic harm.
Investments are allocations of resources, typically money, made with the expectation of generating future returns or benefits. They can involve purchasing assets such as stocks, bonds, or real estate, or funding projects or initiatives with the aim of achieving financial growth, social impact, or other desired outcomes.
A species whose presence and activities have a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem, influencing the structure and function of the community in which it resides.
Actions or strategies aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases to lessen the severity of climate change impacts. This can include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing carbon capture and storage technologies.
Mobility in transportation refers to the ease and efficiency with which people and goods move from one place to another. It encompasses various modes of transport, including cars, public transit, bicycles, and walking. Green mobility specifically emphasizes sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation options, aiming to reduce emissions, congestion, and reliance on fossil fuels while promoting cleaner alternatives such as electric vehicles, public transit systems, and active modes of transportation like cycling and walking.
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are sustainable design appllications that leverage nature to address environmental challenges sustainably. By harnessing natural ecosystems, NBS aims to conserve biodiversity, manage water resources, enhance air and water quality, and mitigate climate change impacts. Unlike conventional methods, NBS integrates ecosystem conservation into solution design and implementation, offering holistic and long-term benefits.
NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are unique digital assets stored on a blockchain, representing ownership of digital or physical items. Each NFT is distinct, enabling proof of ownership and facilitating transactions of digital art, collectibles, virtual real estate, and more.
Nutrition is the study of how food and nutrients affect health and well-being. It involves understanding the role of different foods in providing essential nutrients, energy, and nourishment for the body. Nutrition also encompasses dietary patterns, nutritional requirements, and the impact of diet on disease prevention and management.
The concept of One Health adopts a holistic perspective, seeking to harmonize and enhance the well-being of humans, animals, and ecosystems in a sustainable manner. It acknowledges the interconnectedness and interdependence of human health, the health of domestic and wild animals, plant life, and the broader environment, including ecosystems.
An international treaty adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The agreement outlines voluntary emission reduction targets and encourages global cooperation to address climate change.
People are individuals or groups of individuals who form the basis of society and contribute to its functioning. They possess unique characteristics, identities, and abilities, shaping the social, cultural, and economic landscape. People interact with each other and the environment, influencing and being influenced by various factors within society.
Plant-based is a term that refers to diets, products, or lifestyles primarily derived from plants, including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. It emphasizes the consumption of plant foods while minimizing or excluding animal-derived products such as meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. This dietary choice is often associated with health benefits, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare.
Precision agriculture is an approach to farming that utilizes technology and data-driven techniques to optimize crop yields, reduce input usage, and enhance sustainability. It involves the precise management of resources such as water, fertilizer, and pesticides based on real-time data and analytics. This strategy enables farmers to tailor their practices to specific field conditions, leading to improved efficiency, productivity, and environmental stewardship.
Precision nutrition is a personalized approach to diet and health that takes into account an individual’s unique genetic makeup, lifestyle factors, and nutritional needs. By leveraging data from genetic testing, biomarkers, and dietary assessments, precision nutrition aims to provide tailored dietary recommendations and interventions to optimize health outcomes and prevent chronic diseases. This approach emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition plans based on an individual’s genetic predispositions and metabolic characteristics.
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into reusable objects or materials. It helps reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, energy usage, air pollution, and water pollution.
A comprehensive inventory of species classified according to their conservation status, ranging from least concern to critically endangered, based on criteria such as population size, habitat loss, and threat level.
Regenerative is a term that refers to practices that aim to restore, renew, or revitalize ecosystems and communities. It involves enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and promoting sustainable resource management to create resilient and thriving environments.
Renewable energy sources are natural resources that can be replenished or regenerated over time, such as sunlight, wind, water, and biomass. They provide sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and environmental preservation.
Research is the systematic investigation and study of phenomena to discover new knowledge, solve problems, or validate existing theories. It involves gathering and analyzing data, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions to advance understanding in various fields from medicine to cultural studies.
Responsibility is the accountability and obligation to fulfill duties or commitments, often with ethical or moral implications. It entails being accountable for one’s actions, decisions, and their consequences, whether in personal, professional, or societal contexts.
SDGs are the Sustainable Development Goals, a set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015 to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges by 2030. They aim to eradicate poverty, promote prosperity, and protect the planet through concerted international efforts.
Seeds are embryonic plants enclosed in a protective outer covering. They serve as the primary means of reproduction in flowering plants and are vital for sustaining ecosystems and providing food security for humans and animals alike.
Smart cities, once heralded as the future of urban development, have become an outdated term due to its narrow focus on technology-driven solutions without adequately addressing social, equity, and privacy concerns. This term fails to capture the holistic approach needed for sustainable urban development in the face of complex challenges such as inequality, climate change, and digital divide.
The space economy refers to the economic activities related to space exploration, satellite technology, and utilization of space resources. It encompasses industries such as satellite communications, space tourism, and space mining, aiming to leverage space assets for economic growth and innovation on Earth and beyond.
A group of organisms that are capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring, sharing common characteristics and occupying a distinct ecological niche.
The variety of species present in a specific area or ecosystem, including both the number of different species (species richness) and their relative abundance (species evenness).
Startups are newly established businesses characterized by innovation, agility, and growth potential. They often operate in dynamic and emerging sectors, leveraging innovative ideas, technology, and business models to address market needs or disrupt traditional industries.
A supply chain is a network of interconnected entities involved in the production, distribution, and delivery of goods or services to consumers. It encompasses all stages from raw material sourcing to final product delivery, aiming to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and meet customer demand.
Sustainability is the practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing environmental, social, and economic factors to ensure long-term well-being for both people and the planet.
“Technology for good” refers to the use of technological innovations to address societal challenges, promote positive change, and improve the well-being of individuals and communities. This concept emphasizes leveraging technology to create a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.
Species that are at risk of becoming endangered or extinct due to factors such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, overexploitation, or invasive species.
Traceability is the ability to track the history, location, and journey of a product or item through its entire supply chain, from production to consumption. It ensures transparency and accountability by providing detailed information about the origin, processing, and distribution of goods.
Water, constituting 71% of Earth’s surface, is an indispensable natural resource crucial for sustaining life, ecosystems, and human endeavors. It supports biodiversity, agriculture, industry, households, and regulates global climate patterns. Moreover, it comprises approximately 60% of an adult’s body weight, playing a fundamental role in human physiology.
Web 3.0, an emerging paradigm in the web, aiming to decentralize the internet and empower users with more control over their data and interactions. It leverages blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi), and other technologies to foster peer-to-peer collaboration, transparency, and privacy.
The term “youth” refers to the younger generations in society, typically encompassing teenagers and young adults, who often play a crucial role in shaping the future of communities and nations.
Social sustainability emphasizes equity, justice, and inclusivity in societies. It involves ensuring access to basic human rights, such as food, water, shelter, education, and healthcare, for all people, regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or background. It also involves promoting social cohesion, diversity, and community engagement.