7. Glossary

Biodiversity; biodiversity

Diversity of life on earth (ecosystems, species and genes) in space and time, and their interactions.

Changement global; global change

Changes occurring on the scale of the earth system, including those of anthropogenic origin and their consequences. These include climate, land use, population, economy, health and energy transport.

Conduction (thermique); (thermal) conduction

Heat transfer caused by a temperature difference (in the same medium or between two different media) without displacement of matter.

Convection (thermal); (thermal) convection

Heat transfer involving the displacement of matter. It can take place between a surface and a moving fluid in contact with it, or within the same...