Livelihood Security: Climate change, conflict and migration in - UNEP

Annex 2. Glossary
Adaptation Adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected
climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial
opportunities. Various types of adaptation can be distinguished, including
anticipatory, autonomous and planned adaptation. (IPCC, 2007)
Climate change Climate change refers to any change in climate over time, whether due
to natural variability or as a result of human activity. (IPCC, 2007)
Climate change indicators Climate change indicators are benchmarks that help to understand
changes in climate. The indicators used in this report are c h a n g e i n
temperature, change in rainfall, occurrence of drought and occurrence
of floods. (UNEP, 2011)
Conflict A dispute or incompatibility caused by the actual or perceived opposition
of needs, values, and interests. Conflicts can be a positive force for change
if they are managed and resolved in a peaceful manner. If tensions turn
violent, conflicts will always have negative repercussions. (UNEP, 2011)
Environment The environment is the sum of all external conditions affecting the life,
development and survival of an organism. In the context of this report,
environment refers to the physical conditions that affect natural resources
(climate, geology, hazards) and the ecosystem services that sustain them
(e.g. carbon, nutrient, and hydrological cycles). (UNEP, 2009)
Ecosystem services Ecological processes or functions having monetary or non-monetary value
to individuals or society at large. There are (i) supporting services such as
productivity or biodiversity maintenance, (ii) provisioning services such as
food, fibre, or fish, (iii) regulating services such as climate regulation or
carbon sequestration, and (iv) cultural services such as tourism or spiritual
and aesthetic appreciation. (IPCC, 2007)
Food insecurity A situation that exists when people do not have secure access to sufficient
amounts of safe and nutritious food for normal growth, development and an
active and healthy life. Food insecurity may be caused by the unavailability
of food, insufficient purchasing power, inappropriate distribution, or
inadequate use of food at the household level. (IPCC, 2007)
Food security A situation that exists when people have secure access to sufficient amounts
of safe and nutritious food for normal growth, development and an active
and healthy life. (IPCC, 2007)
Forced migration General term used to describe a migratory movement in which an element
of coercion exists, including threats to life and livelihood, arising from
natural or man-made causes (e.g. movements of refugees and internally
displaced persons as well as people displaced by natural or environmental
disasters, chemical or nuclear disasters, famine or development projects).
(IOM, 2004)
Livelihood A livelihood comprises the capabilities, assets (including both material and
social resources) and activities required for a means of living. It is considered
sustainable when it can cope with and recover from stresses and shocks,
and maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets both now and in the
future, while not undermining the natural resources base on which it relies.
(UNEP, 2009)
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Livelihood Security: Climate Change, Migration and Conflict in the Sahel