Glossary

Glossary

Our glossary demystifies key terms for understanding and advancing Africa’s journey towards a more sustainable future!

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3R Framework: The principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle aimed at minimizing waste and promoting sustainability.

A

Activated Carbon Filtration: A method of water filtration that uses activated carbon to remove impurities and contaminants.

Adaptation Fund: A financial instrument under the UNFCCC that finances projects to help developing countries adapt to climate change.

Adaptive Capacity: The ability of a system, community, or country to adjust to climate change and its impacts, including coping with and recovering from adverse events.

Advocacy: Public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy.

Afforestation: The process of planting trees on land that has not been forested for a long period to create new forests.

Agile Cost Management: The practice of efficiently managing costs through flexible and adaptive strategies.

Agroecology: An ecological approach to agriculture that views agricultural areas as ecosystems and is concerned with the ecological impact of agricultural practices.

Agroforestry: An integrated approach of using the interactive benefits from combining trees and shrubs with crops and livestock.

Antenatal Care Services: Health services provided to pregnant women to ensure the health of both mother and baby, including HIV testing.

Assistive Technologies: Devices or systems that help individuals with disabilities perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Atmospheric Water Generators (AWG): Devices that extract water from humid ambient air.

B

B Corp Certification: A certification awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency, demonstrating a commitment to corporate responsibility.

B Lab: A nonprofit organization that certifies companies meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

Biodegradable materials: Substances that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms and thus do not persist in the environment.

Biodiversity: The variety of life forms in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Biodiversity Loss: The decline in the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, leading to reduced biological diversity.

Biogas: A type of biofuel naturally produced from the decomposition of organic waste.

Biomass: Organic material derived from plants and animals, used as a source of energy.

Boreholes: Deep, narrow holes drilled into the ground to access water, oil, or gas.

Bureaucratic Red Tape: Excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant and hinders or prevents action or decision-making.

C

Capacity-Building: Efforts aimed at developing the skills, knowledge, and abilities of individuals and organizations.

Carbon Emissions: The release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, primarily through human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly or indirectly by human activities.

Carbon Intensive Industries: Industries that rely heavily on the consumption of fossil fuels and release large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions.

Carbon Monoxide: A colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels and biomass, which can be toxic at high levels.

Carbon Offset Projects: Initiatives aimed at compensating for emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases by funding equivalent carbon dioxide saving projects.

Carbon Pricing: A method for reducing global warming emissions by putting a price on carbon emissions.

Career Re-entry Programs: Initiatives and support systems designed to assist individuals, particularly women, who have taken a career break to re-enter the workforce, providing training, mentorship, and employment opportunities.

Circular Economy: An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources through reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling.

Circular Fashion: A model of fashion production and consumption where products are made, used, and disposed of in a way that extends their lifecycle and minimizes waste.

Civil Society: The collective of non-governmental organizations, community groups, and individuals outside of government and business sectors, advocating for social, environmental, and political change through activism, philanthropy, and volunteerism.

Civil Society Organizations: Non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens.

Clean Energy Initiatives: Projects or programs aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy sources that produce minimal pollution.

Clean Technology: Technology designed to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Clean Water Initiatives: Projects aimed at providing access to safe and clean drinking water.

Climate Action: Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate change impacts.

Climate Adaptation: Adjustments in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects.

Climate Change: Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth due to natural processes and human activities.

Climate Change Act: Legislation aimed at addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change through various policies and measures.

Climate Resilience: The ability of a system or community to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related hazards.

Climate Risk Insurance: Insurance designed to protect against losses and damages resulting from climate-related events.

Combustion System: A mechanism or process that burns fuel to produce energy.

Community Empowerment: The process of enabling communities to take control of their own development and make decisions that affect their lives, highlighted by Rising Academy’s efforts to engage local stakeholders in education.

Community Engagement: Active involvement of local communities in the planning and implementation of programs, ensuring that interventions are culturally relevant and meet the specific needs of the population.

Community Resilience: The ability of a community to adapt to and recover from adverse situations, such as environmental or economic challenges.

Conference of the Parties (COP): It is the supreme governing body of an international convention, composed of representatives of the member states of the convention and accredited observers.

Conflict Resolution: The process of resolving a dispute or conflict by providing for the needs of all parties involved.

Conflicts: Disputes and tensions between different groups.

Conservation Agriculture: Farming methods that protect soil health and biodiversity by minimizing soil disturbance and maintaining soil cover.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A strategic framework guiding businesses towards ethical and sustainable practices, involving contributions to society and the environment beyond profit-making objectives.

Corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

Cross-Ventilation: Design strategy that promotes air flow through a building to naturally regulate temperature.

D

Decarbonize: To reduce or eliminate carbon emissions from a process or industry, typically by adopting cleaner technologies or practices.

Deforestation: The large-scale removal of forests, often resulting in damage to the environment.

Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of deforestation, overgrazing, or climate change.

Digital Accessibility: The ease with which all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate and interact with online services.

Digital Technology Economy: The economic sector driven by digital technologies, including internet-based services, software development, e-commerce, and digital communication, contributing to economic growth, innovation, and job creation.

Digital Transformation: The integration of digital technology into all areas of business, fundamentally changing how businesses operate and deliver value to customers.

Disability: Physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities.

Discrimination: Unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.

Disinfection Process: Methods used to eliminate or deactivate pathogens in water to make it safe for consumption or use.

Displacement: The forced movement of people from their homes or places of habitual residence, often due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters.

Dropout Rate: The percentage of students who leave a course, program, or institution before completing it, often due to various factors such as academic difficulties, financial constraints, or personal reasons.

Droughts: Prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water shortages and negatively impacting agriculture and ecosystems.

E

Earth-Covered Roofs: Roofs made from natural materials, providing insulation and temperature regulation in Moroccan homes.

Eco-Conscious Consumerism: The practice of making purchasing decisions based on the environmental impact of products and services.

Eco-friendly: Products or practices that are not harmful to the environment.

Ecological Preservation: The practice of protecting natural environments to maintain biodiversity and natural resources.

Economic Growth: An increase in the economic activity of a region, marked by rising productivity and improved standards of living.

Ecosystem Conservation: Efforts to protect and sustain the natural environments and the species that inhabit them.

Ecosystem Services: The benefits humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.

Ecosystems: Communities of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Education Curriculum: The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.

Educational Equity: The principle of providing fair access to education for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, gender, or geographic location, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Educational Innovation: The introduction and implementation of new ideas, methods, or tools in education to improve learning outcomes and address challenges.

Electric Vehicles (EVs): Vehicles powered by electric motors and rechargeable battery packs instead of internal combustion engines.

Energy Deficit: A situation where the demand for energy exceeds the supply available.

Energy Efficiency: Using less energy to perform the same task, thereby reducing energy waste.

Energy Security: The reliable availability of energy sources at an affordable price.

Environmental Advocacy: Activities aimed at protecting the environment and influencing public policies and practices.

Environmental Awareness: The recognition and understanding of the impact of one’s actions on the environment.

Environmental Impact: The effect of human activities and projects on the natural environment.

Environmental Journalism: A field of journalism focused on reporting and raising awareness about environmental issues and their impacts.

Environmental Regulation: Laws and rules aimed at protecting the environment by controlling pollution and managing natural resources.

Environmental Stewardship: Responsible management and care for the environment through sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

Epidemic: A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community or population at a particular time.

Equitably: Fairly and impartially, ensuring that resources are distributed justly among all parties.

Erosion: The gradual wearing away of land surface by water, wind, or other natural forces.

Ethical Fashion: Fashion that prioritizes ethical considerations in production, including fair labor practices, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.

Eutrophication: The excessive richness of nutrients in a body of water, often due to runoff from the land, causing dense plant growth and death of animal life from lack of oxygen.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Environmental policy approach in which producers are given a significant responsibility for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products.

F

Fabric Counterfeiting: The production and sale of unauthorized copies of branded fabrics, often of lower quality.

Fair Trade: A trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade.

Fast Fashion: An approach to fashion that emphasizes quick production, low costs, and rapid turnover of new styles, often at the expense of environmental and social ethics.

Financial Aid Initiatives: Programs and schemes that provide financial support, such as scholarships, grants, loans, and fellowships, to individuals to help them pursue education, training, or career opportunities.

Financial Resources: Funds and monetary assets available for investment, expenditure, or financing of projects and initiatives, crucial for supporting sustainable development activities, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction efforts.

Fiscal Policy: Government policies regarding taxation and spending to influence the economy.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Work schedules or arrangements that offer employees flexibility in terms of when, where, and how they work, allowing for a better balance between work and personal life responsibilities.

Flood: The overflow of water onto normally dry land, often causing damage to property and infrastructure.

Food Security: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Investment made by a firm or individual in one country into business interests located in another country.

Fossil Fuels: Non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals and extracted from the Earth for use in energy production.

G

Gender Equality Policies: Policies and initiatives aimed at promoting equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for individuals of all genders, addressing gender-based discrimination and promoting gender balance in various spheres of society.

Gender Equity: Fairness and impartiality in the treatment of individuals of different genders, ensuring that all genders have equal opportunities, rights, and access to resources and benefits.

Gender Gap: The difference in opportunities, outcomes, and treatment between men and women, often resulting in disparities in areas such as education, employment, and pay.

Gender Perspective: The consideration of gender dynamics, roles, and inequalities in the analysis, planning, and implementation of policies, programs, and initiatives, aiming to address gender-based disparities and promote gender equality.

Gender-inclusive Policies: Policies and practices that promote gender equality and accommodate the needs and perspectives of individuals of all genders, fostering an environment of respect, fairness, and inclusivity.

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT): An international trade agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers and promoting economic growth.

Geometric Power Plant: A natural gas-fired power plant aimed at providing sustainable energy and reducing the city’s power deficit.

Global Markets: The interconnected network of buyers and sellers exchanging goods, services, and capital across national borders, facilitated by globalization and international trade agreements.

Global Warming: The long-term rise in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases.

Globalization: The process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments of different nations that is driven by international trade, investment, and information technology.

Governance: The process of governing or managing a country, organization, or community which encompasses decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation.

Green Bonds: Bonds specifically earmarked to be used for climate and environmental projects.

Green Consumption: Purchasing behaviors that prioritize products and services which have minimal harmful effects on the environment.

Green Economy: An economic system that aims to promote sustainable development by integrating environmental considerations into all aspects of economic activity, fostering resource efficiency, renewable energy, and low-carbon technologies.

Green Hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, with minimal carbon emissions.

Green Logistics: The practice of using environmentally friendly methods and technologies in the transportation and storage of goods.

Green Marketing: Marketing efforts designed to promote products or services based on their environmental benefits.

Green Spaces: Gardens and plant areas within Moroccan homes that create cooling microclimates and aesthetic appeal.

Green Transformation: The process of transitioning to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy, characterized by reduced carbon emissions, resource conservation, and adoption of green technologies and practices.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases released into the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, that trap heat and contribute to global warming and climate change.

Greenwashing: The practice of companies promoting misleading information to appear environmentally friendly without making substantial sustainability efforts.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total value of goods produced and services provided in a country during one year.

Groundwater Reserves: Water stored underground in aquifers, supplying wells and springs.

H

HIV/AIDS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a viral infection that weakens the immune system and can lead to life-threatening infections and cancers.

HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems used to regulate indoor climate and air quality.

Harm Reduction Services: Programs designed to minimize the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with drug use.

Henley Passport Index: A ranking system that evaluates the travel freedom of passport holders based on the number of countries they can access without a visa.

Holistic Approach: An integrated and comprehensive approach that considers all relevant factors, elements, and stakeholders in addressing a problem or achieving a goal, often emphasizing interconnectedness and interdependence.

Human Capital Development: Investing in education, training, and healthcare to improve the workforce’s productivity and skills.

Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world.

Human Rights Violations: Actions that violate the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled.

Human Trafficking: The illegal trade of humans for the purposes of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation, a significant risk for uneducated girls and women.

HyIron Technology: Innovative technology that utilizes green hydrogen to facilitate the processing of iron ore, reducing carbon emissions in the steel production process.

I

Inclusive: Including all segments of society, ensuring that no one is excluded or marginalized from the benefits of development.

Inclusive Growth: Economic growth that is distributed fairly across society and creates opportunities for all.

Inclusive Policies: Policies and practices that aim to remove barriers and promote equal opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that all people are included and have access to resources and opportunities.

Inclusive Workplace Culture: A work environment that values and respects diversity, where all employees feel valued, supported, and included, regardless of their background, identity, or characteristics.

Inclusivity: The practice of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources.

Indoor Air Pollution: Pollution within buildings caused by the accumulation of indoor pollutants, often from cooking and heating sources.

Inequality: The state of not being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

Innovation: The process of developing new ideas, products, services, or processes that create value and contribute to solving problems, driving economic growth, and improving quality of life.

Internal Combustion Engine: An engine that generates power by burning fuel, typically gasoline or diesel, within a combustion chamber.

International Cooperation: Collaboration and coordination among countries, organizations, and stakeholders on global issues, such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development, to achieve common goals and address shared challenges.

Investment: The allocation of resources, usually money, in the expectation of generating income or profit.

Investment Incentives: Benefits offered by governments to attract business investments, including tax breaks, grants, and favorable regulations.

J

K

Ketogenic Diet: A diet high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates, primarily using animal products.

L

Landfill: A site for the disposal of waste materials by burial, often leading to environmental issues.

Law Enforcement Agencies: Organizations responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public order.

Learning Crisis: A situation where a significant number of children and youth are out of school or do not acquire the basic skills necessary for life and work, undermining individual well-being and societal progress.

Legal Frameworks: Laws, regulations, and policies established by governments to guide and regulate various aspects of society, including natural resource management.

Legal Protected Areas: Designated geographical areas, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine sanctuaries, legally safeguarded to conserve biodiversity, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable use of natural resources.

Linear economy: An economic model based on the “take-make-dispose” approach, where resources are used once and then discarded.

Lithium-ion Batteries: Rechargeable batteries that provide high energy density and long-lasting power.

M

Manufacturing Sector: The sector of the economy that produces finished goods from raw materials through various processes.

Marginalized Communities: Groups of people who are excluded from mainstream social, economic, educational, or cultural life.

Megawatt (MW): A unit of power equal to one million watts, used to measure the

Mentorship: A professional relationship in which an experienced individual (mentor) provides guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced individual (mentee) to help them develop their skills and advance in their career.

Methane: A potent greenhouse gas produced by livestock digestion and manure management.

Monetary Policy: The policy adopted by the monetary authority of a country to control the supply of money, often targeting an inflation rate or interest rate.

Monoculture Farming: The agricultural practice of growing a single crop species over a large area for consecutive years.

N

National Grid: The interconnected network for delivering electricity from producers to consumers.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Natural Gas: A fossil fuel consisting primarily of methane, used as a cleaner alternative for electricity generation.

Natural Resources: Materials or substances such as minerals, forests, water, and fertile land that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain.

Natural Thermostat: The ability of materials like mud bricks to regulate indoor temperature by absorbing and releasing heat.

Natural Thermostat: The ability of materials like mud bricks to regulate indoor temperature by absorbing and releasing heat.

Nepotism: Favoritism granted to relatives or close friends, especially in politics or employment.

Net-Zero Emissions: A state in which the amount of greenhouse gases emitted is balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere.

Non-Biodegradable Materials: Materials that do not decompose naturally and can remain in the environment for a long time.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Private organizations that operate independently of government control and are typically driven by social, environmental, or humanitarian missions.

Non-Renewable Resources: Natural resources that cannot be replenished within a human timeframe, such as fossil fuels.

Non-communicable Diseases: Chronic diseases that are not passed from person to person, such as diabetes and hypertension.

O

Obesity: A medical condition characterized by excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems.

Off-grid: Not connected to the main power grid, relying on alternative energy sources.

Online Learning Opportunities: Educational resources, courses, and programs delivered via the internet or digital platforms, allowing learners to access education and training remotely and at their own pace.

Operational Efficiency: The capability of an organization to deliver products or services in the most cost-effective manner without compromising quality.

P

Paleo Diet: A diet that focuses on whole foods like meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, and nuts while avoiding processed foods, grains, and dairy.

Parity: Equality or equivalence in terms of status, rights, opportunities, or treatment, often used to describe gender parity or parity between different groups or populations.

Particulate Matter: A mixture of tiny particles and droplets in the air that can be harmful when inhaled.

Passive Solar Design: Architectural approach that utilizes the sun’s energy for heating and cooling buildings.

Peacebuilding: Efforts to establish enduring peace by addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering reconciliation and development.

Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells.

Pilot Program: A small-scale, preliminary study conducted to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, risk, and adverse events before the full-scale implementation of a project.

Plastic Polymers: Large molecules made up of repeated subunits, commonly used in making plastics.

Policy Framework: A structured set of guidelines, principles, and regulations that govern decision-making and actions within a specific policy area, providing a framework for coherent and consistent policy development and implementation.

Political Instability: A situation where a government is unable to maintain political order, often resulting in unrest or conflict.

Pollution: The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, causing adverse effects.

Polystyrene: A synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer used in the production of plastic and foam materials.

Population Growth Rate: The rate at which the number of individuals in a population increases in a specific time period, expressed as a percentage of the initial population.

Poverty Alleviation: Efforts to reduce and ultimately eradicate poverty by improving living standards, access to basic needs, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A preventive treatment for people at high risk of HIV, involving taking HIV medicines daily to lower the chances of getting infected.

Privatization: The transfer of ownership of property or businesses from a government to a privately owned entity.

Processed Foods: Foods that have been altered from their natural state for safety or convenience.

Public Awareness: Knowledge and understanding among the general population about social, environmental, and political issues, often raised through educational campaigns, media coverage, and community outreach efforts.

Public Health: The health of the population as a whole, often managed by governmental health agencies.

Public Health Infrastructure: The systems and resources necessary to deliver public health services and ensure community health.

Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative agreements between government and private sector companies to fund and operate projects that serve the public interest.

Q

R

Recycling: The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.

Recycling Hubs: Centralized facilities for collecting, processing, and repurposing waste materials.

Reforestation: The process of planting trees in an area where the forest has been depleted.

Renewable Energy: Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.

Renewable Resources: Natural resources that are replenished naturally or through human intervention at a rate equal to or faster than they are consumed, including sunlight, wind, water, and biomass.

Resource Efficiency: Using resources in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes output, often through technological or management interventions.

Responsible Consumption: Promoting the moderate and mindful use of products, particularly alcohol, to minimize negative impacts.

Reverse Osmosis System: A water purification process that uses a partially permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles.

S

SDGs: A collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 for the year 2030, aimed at achieving a better and more sustainable future for all.

STEM Education: Education focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, aimed at developing skills and knowledge in these fields.

Sanitation: Measures and practices that help maintain cleanliness and prevent diseases by managing human waste and other forms of waste.

Screen Readers: Software applications that enable visually impaired users to read the text displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer.

Selective Waste Collection: The practice of sorting and separating different types of waste materials for recycling, composting, or proper disposal, aimed at reducing environmental pollution and promoting resource conservation.

Sensitization Programs: Initiatives aimed at raising awareness and educating people about specific issues, such as recycling and sustainability.

Service Sector:: The segment of the economy that provides services rather than tangible goods.

Sewage Plant: A facility that treats wastewater from households and businesses to remove harmful substances.

Single-Use Plastics: Disposable plastic products intended for one-time use before being discarded.

Social Enterprise: An organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being.

Social Equity: Fairness in society, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.

Social Impact: The effect of an organization or project on the well-being and development of a community or society.

Social Justice: The fair distribution of resources and opportunities among all members of society.

Social Norms: Shared beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors within a society that dictate acceptable or expected conduct, often influencing gender roles and expectations.

Socioeconomic Development: Progress and improvement in the economic and social well-being of individuals, communities, and societies, often measured by factors such as income, education, health, and standard of living.

Solar Energy: Energy derived from the sun’s radiation, captured using photovoltaic cells or solar panels and converted into electricity or heat for various applications.

Solar-Powered Facility: A manufacturing or operational site that uses solar energy as its primary source of power.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Designated areas in countries with special economic regulations that differ from other areas in the same country.

Specialized Training: Education and preparation specific to a particular field or task, especially relating to skills needed to support individuals with disabilities.

Sports Diplomacy: The use of sports as a means to influence diplomatic, social, and political relations.

Stakeholders: Individuals or groups who have an interest or concern in the operations and success of a business.

Stigma: Negative attitudes and beliefs about people with HIV, often resulting in discrimination and social exclusion.

Styrofoam: A brand name for a type of polystyrene foam often used for insulation and disposable containers.

Subsidies: Financial support provided by the government to lower the cost of goods or services, such as fuel.

Surface Water Sources: Bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs that collect water from precipitation and run-off.

Sustainability: The practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic, social, and environmental aspects.

Sustainability Strategies: Plans and actions implemented by businesses to operate in an environmentally responsible manner.

Sustainable Business Practices: Business methods that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability.

Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Sustainable Farming: Agricultural practices that maintain and improve soil health, minimize water use, and reduce pollution.

Sustainable Fashion: A movement and process of fostering change to fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice.

Sustainable Packaging: Packaging solutions designed to reduce environmental impact, often using recyclable or biodegradable materials.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM): The integration of sustainable practices into supply chain operations to minimize environmental impact.

T

Tariff: The pricing structure or rate set for services, including electricity supply.

Tourism: The commercial organization and operation of vacations and visits to places of interest.

Trade Market: A market where participants buy and sell goods and services.

Trade Policies: Regulations and agreements established by governments to govern international trade, including tariffs, quotas, and trade agreements aimed at promoting economic growth and development.

Tribalism: Loyalty to a tribe or social group to the exclusion of others.

Triple Bottom Line: An accounting framework that considers social, environmental, and financial performance.

Turbine: A device that converts kinetic energy from fluids (like gas or steam) into mechanical energy for electricity generation.

U

Underrepresented: Having a lower level of representation or participation compared to the overall population or a specific group, often due to social, economic, or cultural barriers.

United Nations (UN): An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): An international environmental treaty aimed at combating climate change.

Upcycling: The process of transforming waste materials into new, higher-quality products.

Urban Development: The process of improving infrastructure, housing, and services.

V

Vaccine Research: Scientific studies aimed at discovering and developing vaccines to prevent HIV infection.

Veganism: A diet and lifestyle that excludes all animal-derived products.

Viral Load: The amount of HIV virus in a blood sample, used to monitor the severity of infection and effectiveness of treatment.

Viral Suppression: The reduction of HIV viral load in the blood to undetectable levels through effective treatment.

W

Waste Management: The process of handling waste materials from their initial creation to their final disposal, including collection, transport, treatment, and disposal.

Wastewater Treatment: The process of removing contaminants from wastewater to make it safe for discharge or reuse.

Water Harvesting: The collection and storage of rainwater or runoff for future use, typically for agricultural or domestic purposes.

Water Treatment: The process of making water suitable for drinking, industrial use, and other purposes by removing contaminants.

Waterborne Diseases: Illnesses caused by drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water, such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery.

Wind Farm: A group of wind turbines in the same location used to produce electricity

Wind Power: Energy generated from the movement of air (wind) using wind turbines, which convert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical power or electricity.

Work-Life Balance: The equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life activities, including family, leisure, and health, ensuring that individuals have time and energy for both work and personal pursuits.

Workplace Bias: Prejudice or discrimination based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, or age, which can affect hiring, promotion, and treatment of employees in the workplace.

X

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Z