Review Comments by Experts on First Draft of Glossary of 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas InventoriesComm
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1042

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Comment

ExpertResponse

GeneralGlossary

2

1

1044

GeneralGlossary2

1046

GeneralGlossary

1048

General

1050

1052

Authors note6

Accuracy. It is perhaps time to update this definition, consideringthat many exist and that the one adopted here is not necessariyl thebest for NGHGI implementation. ISO has a different definitoin, forinstance. In any case, just as noted above, deviations from otehr
existing defintions could be mentioned.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

The definition has been amended

1

6

Accuracy. It should be mentioned that the ''true'' emission value isoften not known.

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

the first sentence of the definition uses the word "relative" our viewis that this takes care of the comment raised.

2

1

6

Accuracy. There appear to be some inconsistency in this definition.
If it is to be a measure of (paraphrasing) lack of bias AND reduced
uncertainty, and considering that precisoin later in this gloassary isdefined as the inverse of uncertainty, then again praphrasing,increased Accuracy should involve low bias AND high precision.
Thus Accuracy AND precision cannot be independent, as stated inthis definition. What is independent are the concepts of ''bias'' and''precision'' that combined give the meaning of ''accuracy'' asdefined herein.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

the definition has been revised.

Glossary

2

12

13

Activity. As defined, ''activity'' is indistinguishable from thedefinition of ''land use'' given elsewhere in the glossary. One of thetwo needs to be refined.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

The definition of “Land use” has been changed maintaining
consistency with the current definition of activity. As a consequence
the definition of “activity” does not need to be changed.

GeneralGlossary

2

15

15

Activity data. Kindly remove ''resulting in emissions or removals''.
It is not needed to define ''activity''.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

activity data is integral to the emission estimation methodology
which relates to emissions or sinks. Therefore without this text, thedefinition does not hold a meaning.

GeneralGlossary

2

18

22

Agricultural Pond. Is this definition consistent with FAO? I am notsure one exist, but the following link may be helpful:
http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/cpesap/CRESAP_Info_package/Links/Module_5/Water_harvesting.pdf .

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

No change. We believe we have provided an accurate definition ofAgricultural ponds for the purpose of inventory compilation. Adding
a subjective qualifier, such as 'small-dam ponds' would require atechnical definition of what is meant by a small dam. Note that wehave defined ponds more generally as being impounded behind astructure < 15 m tall. Small and large dams have distinct definitions typically based on the height of the structure - which probably varies
between countries as a result of different national engineering
standards.

Comm
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6106

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ExpertResponse

Authors note

GeneralGlossary

2

27

27

I suggest that the authors delete "The term allometry refers to" inpage 2.2 to be consistent with the style applied to other words. The
similar issues are observed in the following words: "climate subdomain", "degassing emissions", "hympolimnion", "pumped
storage reservoirs", "rice paddies", "river emissions", "storage
volume", "trophic state", "watercourse", "wetland".

Naofumi Kosaka

Accepted

Style changes implemented following the reviewer's recommendation

1054

GeneralGlossary

2

35

38

Aquaculture Pond. Please ensure that this definition is in line with
FAO, see for instancehttps://www.slideshare.net/FAOoftheUN/census-themes-12-and14-aquaculture-and-fisheries-79720151. At a minimum indicate
the differences.

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

We have provided an accurate definition of Agricultural ponds forthe purpose of inventory compilation in the context of thisrefinement report. FAO document cited provides defiition of all
aquaculture, not aquaculture ponds.

1056

GeneralGlossary

2

39

40

Arithmetic mean. Is this definition really necessary?

francesco nicolatubiello

NotedThis definition may be obvious to many users, but it may still help
some inventory compilers. So it is not necessary to delete it.

1058

GeneralGlossary

3

12

18

Bias. The text should refer to ''a systematic error'' in theobservation and ESTIMATION method. The example provided
refers to estimation bias, as appropraite since the topic is NGHGI

francesco nicolatubiello

Acceptedchange implemented as suggested

3740

GeneralGlossary

3

13

13

Entry Bias: Why is 'whose magnitude in most cases is unknown'
included in the definition? It would be better to mention it
separately.

Andrea TILCHE

Noted

it is important to qualifythat such bias might prove to be difficult toquantify and therefore most times not known.

1060

GeneralGlossary

3

24

26

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

The definition is from the 2006 Guidelines.

1062

GeneralGlossary

3

34

37

Biofuels. Considering the reasons given for not including peat,should the text rather refer to ''renewable biomass'' instead od
simply to ''biomass''
Biomass. It seems to this reviewer that the term ''biomass'' used inthese guidelines only refers to ''plant biomass'' and does not include
animals. If correct, perhaps refine this definition.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

3720

GeneralGlossary

3

36

37

It is mention that peat is excluded. What about organic matter inmineral soils?

Andrea TILCHE

Noted

The 2006 Guidelines Glossary's definition includes both plant andanimal biomass by the word "living organisms", so we do not need tochange this definition or add the references to include herbaceous
material. See also the comment #7110 (in the government comment
sheet).
This defintion refers only to living organisms.

3742

GeneralGlossary

3

42

42

Entry Bootstrap technique: remove the word 'typically' and add'with replacement' after 'repeated resampling'.

Andrea TILCHE

Acceptedchange implemented as suggested

3744

GeneralGlossary

3

42

42

Entry Bootstrap technique: it could be mentioned that the bootstrap
technique is a specific case of a Monte Carlo method, which would
also allow cross-referencing to that entry.

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted

Added at the end: Bootstrap technique is a specific case of aMonte Carlo method.

Comm
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1064

VolumeChapter

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Comment

ExpertResponse

Authors note

GeneralGlossary448Canal. Kindly ensure consistency on how definitions are provided.
The one offered here is a good one, taken from the Ramsar
conventoin, with a link to it and a date of access. Should this be
the format across all definitions? Regardless, some coherent format
should be applied throughout the glossary.

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

It's not practical to provide a similar format across the glossary given
the combination of entries already accepted in the 2006 Guidelines
and unable to be modified.

1066

GeneralGlossary

4

911

Carbon Budget. It does not seem that this definition is consistent
with what ise used elsewhere, including in IPCC Assessment
Reports. Please check with other definitions, including from the
Global Carbon Project.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted with In these guidelines, the term "carbon budget" is used in a more
modification generic sense than in the other IPCC Reports such as Special Reporton Global Warming of 1.5oC. The definition cannot be changed inthese guidelines, but a note to explain the difference can be added.
See also the comment #7112 (in the government comment sheet).

1068

GeneralGlossary

4

12

15

CO2 equivalent. The reference to (2005) is unclear. It probablyrefers to the SAR, whose GWP values are in use for non-Annex I
countries. Eitehr way, a pointer to specific GWP values, evenindirectly as possibly done here, is outside the scope of theseguidelines.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted with The description should be changed to avoid referring to "currently"
modification in order to prevent it from being outdated. More policy-neutral
definition is better, therefore the definition of "Carbon dioxide
equivalent emission" in the Glossary of Special Report on 1.5 C has
been intorduced here to replace the current definition.

1070

GeneralGlossary

4

16

19

Category. It is suggested to also provide definitions of the fourmain sectors. When doing so, kindly indicate IPCC specificities
with respect to other international classifications used in countries,
to facilitate the task of data compilers.

francesco nicolatubiello

RejectedDefinition of 4 sectors is given in Table 8.2 in Chapter 8, Vol.1. A
reference to Chapter 8 of Volume 1 has been included in the
Glossary.

1072

GeneralGlossary

4

20

21

Census. The ''census'' is a process rather than simply data. Kindly
consult FAO for a better definition. See e.g.
http://www.fao.org/world-census-agriculture/en/

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepteddefinition has been changed

1074

GeneralGlossary

4

22

23

Channel. It doesnot appear that this definitoin is in line withsimilar others in use internationally. Either adapt to those or
specify it is for IPCC use only.

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

The term has been revised clarifying that it is defined in a mannerconsistent with use in the 2019 refinement report.

1076

GeneralGlossary

4

27

32

Chronosequence. The term is of general validity beyond land use
management. Kindly edit to distinguish the general case from thespecific IPCC application, or specify at the outset that the iPCC
uses this term exclusively for AFOLU.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

The definition has been refined to clarify that chronosequence is
specifically used in the context of the AFOLU sector for this report.

1078

GeneralGlossary

4

33

34

Climatic Sub-domain. It appears that the defintion as written israther circular. It does not define what is a climate sub-domain.

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

Definition revised to remove the circularity and more clearly explain
the concept.

Comm
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1080

VolumeChapter

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GeneralGlossary

4

35

1082

GeneralGlossary53746

GeneralGlossary

1084

General3748

Authors note38

Coefficient of variation. The definitoin should be re-written withthe help of a statistician. Both definitions given are statistical innature, only one refers to probability vs. a set of measurements.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

no change seems to be needed. This term was so defined in the
Glossary of the 2006 Guidelines.

1

4Comparability. TCCCA. Perhaps a defintion of NGHGI ''quality''should also be given for completeness, following text used in Vol 1
Ch 1

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

Not sure if we understand the comment. Quality is a function ofmanney variables and therefore providing its definititon might prove
complicated.
However, the definition of "comparability" has been slightly
changed, not in response to this comment, but to the comment#3746.

5

2

2

Entry Comparability: rephrase to exclude the normative 'should'
from the definition. Comparability is the extent to which estimatesof emissions and removals reported by countries in inventories arecomparable.

Andrea TILCHE

Acceptedchange implemented as suggested

Glossary5

913First, if the term differs substantially from the statistical definition
used in ''confidence interval'', and considering that the latter isdefined immediately below--why use the term''confidence'' at all?
Use naother term, considering this is supposed to be understood for
IPCC applications only anyway. Second, it is nonetheless good to
introduce language that explains how a specific IPCC definition
may differ from others used elsewhere, and especially in thestatistical community. Kindly apply this ''discalimer'', asappropriate, throughout the gloassary.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

A confidence interval (CI) is a type of interval estimate,computed from the statistics of the observed/estimated data, thatmight contain the true value of an unknown population
parameter. The interval has an associated confidence level thatquantifies the level of confidence that the parameter lies in theinterval. Most commonly, the 95% confidence level is used.

GeneralGlossary

5

10

11

Entry Confidence: trust should be based on accuracy, precision andhaving a system in place to ensure these. The statement: 'Having
confidence in inventory estimates does not make those estimates
more accurate or precise' is of course correct, but at first reading it
appears to disconnect confidence from accuracy and precision
entirely. The entry should be rephrased to make it more clear.

Andrea TILCHE

Noted

Our understanding is that the word "trust" in the first sentence
implies accuracy, precision and other attrbutes related to confidence
such as quality.

1086

GeneralGlossary

5

14

21

Confidence Interval. Please consider re-writing this definition by astatistician! It is first unreadable and secondly wrong.

francesco nicolatubiello

3752

GeneralGlossary

5

23

23

Entry Consistency: rephrase to exclude 'should' from the definition.

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted with in the IPCC guidelines applies a 95% confidence interval and this is
modification described in the definition of the term. The terms has been kept as is.
Acceptedsuggestion implemented as proposed

Comm
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1088

VolumeChapter

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Comment

ExpertGeneralGlossary

5

28

1090

GeneralGlossary51092

GeneralGlossary

1094

General8610

Response

Authors note29

Correlation. ''Correlation does not imply causation''. Yet to someextend this is what this definition seems to suggest?

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted with the definition has been revised. The word "dependence" has been
modification replaced with "relationship"

30

31

Correlation coefficient. Please consider the same two comments
made above. Consider re-writing by a statistician.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted with the definition has been revised. The word "dependence" has been
modification replaced with "relationship"

5

41

43

Please add ''artificial structure''. Is this consistent with definitions
given elsewhere, including Ramsar cited earlier in the glossary?

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

This clarification has been added along with the context that thedefinition is based on the way it is applied in the AFOLU sector fornational greenhouse gas inventories.

Glossary

6

20

22

Distribution function. Please ask a mathematician or statistician tore-write.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

no change seems to be needed

GeneralGlossary

6

28

28

“diffusive emission that would not occur in the absence of thereservoir, from the river downstream of the dam” rather than“diffusive emission from the river downstream of the dam”

Elizabeth Sikar

Accepted

Glossary entry changed as suggested.

6110

GeneralGlossary

7

42

44

I suggest that the authors delete the word "flooded land proxy" inpage 2.7. Although "managed land proxy" appears several times inmain chapters of the 2019 Refinement, it seems "flooded land
proxy" does not appear at all.

Naofumi Kosaka

Accepted

1096

GeneralGlossary849Flux. Perhaps consider giving the more general definition first.
Else it reads funny.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

3756

GeneralGlossary

8

31

31

Entry Good Practice: 'reduced so far as possible', or 'reduced as far
as practicable, as written in the Overview? Is there a difference?

Andrea TILCHE

3758

GeneralGlossary

913

Entry Harvested wood products: the definition seems very
imprecise. The word 'include' suggests that there are more relevant
products outside wood and paper products. Other IPCC
documents, among which the related chapter of the Guidelines(Vol 4, Ch 12) offer more useful definitions, which would be along
the lines of: all wood-based materials that leave harvest sites

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted

More precise definition has been provided.

6098

GeneralGlossary

91

3

I suggest that the authors reconsider the definition of "harvested
wood products" in page 2.9. The definition is unclear. It ispreferable to mention the 2006 IPCC Guidelines rather than IPCC
good practice guidance (2003).

Naofumi Kosaka

Accepted

More precise definition has been provided, including reference to2006 Guidelines.

The order of different definitions should be changed.

Accepted with The definition text for "good practice" has been revised with amodification footnote to explain its background.

Comm
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3722

VolumeChapter

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Comment

ExpertResponse

GeneralGlossary

9

17

8612

GeneralGlossary

98614

GeneralGlossary

6108

General1038

Authors note

17

The sentence on Hypolimnetic should be moved to a separate line

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted

18

18“Hypolimnion” rather than “Hympolimnion”

Elizabeth Sikar

Accepted

9

20

20

“metalimnion” rather than “meatalimnion”

Elizabeth Sikar

Accepted

Glossary

9

32

34

I suggest that the authors reconsider the definition of "inflow" inpage 2.9. Although the proposed definition limits to water flow, theword is also used in the context of harvested wood products (seeVolume 4, Chapter 12, page 12.15). The definition text does notmatch in that context. The similar issue is observed in "outflow".

Naofumi Kosaka

GeneralGlossary

10

45Land Cover. The definition of Land Cover could be refined. Kindly
consult international definitions endorsed by UNSC and FAO

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

The definition has been revised according to the refinements made in
Vol 4 Chapter 31030

GeneralGlossary

10

7

10

Land Use. The glossary should also report the definitions of thevarious land use categories from Vol. 4

francesco nicolatubiello

AcceptedDefinitions have been added for all 6 land uses.

1032

GeneralGlossary

10

77Land Use. There may be more than one type of activity being
carried out on a unit of land, so kindly use the plural. It may be
added that the naming of a specifc class is determined by theconcept of 'predominant use.''francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

This clarification has been added.

1034

GeneralGlossary

10

77Land Use. This definition coincides in essence with the one givenby the international statisticsl community, as codified in the Landu
Use classification of the SEEA Central Framework and the SEEA
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (see e.g.,
http://www.fao.org/economic/ess/environment/methodology/en/).
However, it is unclear whether and how specific activities that are''non-land'' IPCC sectors (IPPU, Waste) do not use land. In fact all
economic activities use land, and i nthis respect all IPCC sectors
should find a place under AFOLU. Kindly engage with teh
statistical community for appropriate writing and possible linkages
to other classifications.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

The other sectors in this guidance are treated separately from
AFOLU to distinguish overarching anthropogenic activities that leadto emissions. While, for example, a power plant occupies a parcel ofland, the emissions occurring for combustion are not primarly
characterized by the land that the power plant occupies, but rather
the engineering of the plant and type of fuel. The association of the
pwwer plants with land uses in the AFOLU sector would lead to an
unecessary burden for compilers in terms of estimating emissions
from power plants. In addition the classification of land uses isbeyond the scope of the refinement as directed in the table ofcontents approved by the IPCC panel.

change implemented as suggested

Accepted with Context has been added so that the definition only applied to watermodification bodies

Comm
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1036

VolumeChapter

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Comment

ExpertResponse

Authors note

GeneralGlossary

10

77Land Use. When definitions for the 6 IPCC land use classes are
given, pointers to relevant international classifications used bycountries for reporting in non-IPCC processes should be given. For
instance, cropland, grassland and forest definitions by FAO, used
for reporting activity data to FAO as well as for computing specific
SDG indicators.

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

The definitions in this guidance are not prescriptive and countries
may choose to harmonize or adjust the general definitions to alignwith other policy programs.

1098

GeneralGlossary

10

8

10

Land Use. All six IPCC land use categories are in fact Land Cover,as it can be seen by checking any land cover map legend fromeither NASA or ESA. It is true that is starightforward to assocaited
land use to land cover categories cropland and settlements.

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

6154

GeneralGlossary

10

18

19

recommend normal typeface, not bold

Carolyn Maxwell

Accepted

This comment refers to the lines 18-19 on page 10, about "Largedam". As pointed out, the definition sentence should be changed tonormal, from bold.

1040

GeneralGlossary

10

28

30

Manure. The term ''manure,'' as defined by FAO and UNSC, does
not only include livestock, but more generally one could also speakof ''vegetable'' manure, compost, etc. If this is a specific definition
to IPCC, it would be wise to alert the reader that this is restrictivewith respect to definitions used elsewhere and endorsed
internationally.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

We have added the specification: vegetative material such as green
manures are considered to be crop residues or compost" to thedefinition.

1100

GeneralGlossary

10

31

35

Mean. It is suggested to have this reviewed by a statistician.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

no change seems to be needed

3724

GeneralGlossary

10

36

36

The sentence starting "Measurement-based" should be moved to
the next line

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted

6156

GeneralGlossary

10

36

37

Measurement based approach: correct formatting of heading fordefinition of measurement based approach

Carolyn Maxwell

Accepted

3760

GeneralGlossary

1188

Entry Model: why only 'quantitative'? A model can be a qualitative
abstraction of a real-world situation or set of situations.

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted

1102

GeneralGlossary

12

34

35

Pasture. Kindly ensure considstency with FAO definitions of''meadows and pastures. Note that ''grassland'' was declared a land
cover category under ''land use'', but here it is described as a landuse.

francesco nicolatubiello

The words "qualitatively-based" have been added.

Accepted with The definition has been made more consistent with the FAO
modification definition, while also maintaining consistent with the IPCC
classification of grassland systems.

Comm
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1104

VolumeChapter

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Comment

ExpertResponse

Authors note

GeneralGlossary

12

41

44

Peatland. Is this definition in line with Ramsar's? Secondly, there
are plenty of peatlands in tropical areas, but according to thisdefinition there may be peatlands only in cold zones. The statementon the content of total C is out of scope with the definition in myopinion and inconsistent with the style of any other definition
given in this glossary. Finally, the correct term is ''soil organic C''.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

The definition is revised to be broader and include all peatlands. The
definition is consistent with the RAMSAR classification of wetlands.

1380

GeneralGlossary

12

45

47

Percentile. Kindly ensure this definition is reviewed by astatistician. Also, it it likely that such definition is not limited tooperations performed over a PDF

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted with The definition has been reviewed. A percentile (or a centile) is a
modification measure used in statistics indicating the value below which agiven percentage of observations in a group of observations fall.

1106

GeneralGlossary

13

11

12

Plant-mediated emissions. The definition appears to be referring toplants, whether the subject of the topic is emissions. In any case,plant-mediated emissions involve more ttrace gases than simply
methane. If the scope of the definition is narrower for IPCC< thensay say explicitly specifying what other emissions may be.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted with The definition has been revised so that it is referring the flow ofmodification emissions to the atmsphere that are influenced by plants, such as the
production, oxidation and transport of methane in wetland soils.

6102

GeneralGlossary

13

11

12

I suggest that the authors reconsider the definition of "plantmediated emission" in page 2.13. According to the proposed
definition, emission is plants.

Naofumi Kosaka

Accepted

1108

GeneralGlossary

13

16

17

Ponds. Again, the definition given is far narrower than the terms
used widely outside of IPCC. It is suggested to say this explicitly,
and better yet to change the name to somethning more specific(e.g., ''small-dam ponds''?)francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

1110

GeneralGlossary

13

18

21

Pool/Carbon Pool. Pool and carbon pool cannot be usedinterchangeably. Carbon pools only store carbon ©, not GHG.
Likewise, while there may be methane pools (although in nongaseous forms, i.e. cathrates), the only ''N2O'' pool as a reservoir isthe atmosphere. Else we speak of N pools, etc. Kindly re-write thisdefinitin an dconsult the IPCC Assessment Reports VOl I for
guidance and consistency.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

1112

GeneralGlossary

13

22

24

Population. Again, the correct term should be more specific, as''population'' means so many different things. As for other technicalterms, kindly have a statistician revise it.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

No change. There is no universally accepted definition of a pond. We
have provided an explicit definition in terms of dam height toprovide clarity to compilers.

no change seems to be needed, considering that this is a glossary fornational GHG inventory

Comm
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1114

VolumeChapter

Page

From line To line

Comment

ExpertGeneralGlossary

13

25

1116

GeneralGlossary

13

1118

GeneralGlossary

3762

General1120

Response

Authors note

28

Precision. I completely disagree with this definition. First of all,uncertainty and precisoin mean comlpetely different things and are
not related inversely. Second, in the definition of accuracy, it was
already mention that lack of bias and precision are independent, so
how can precision be inversely ralted to uncertainty? If the bias is
unknown, we cannot know whether a precise measurement reduces''uncertainty'' or not.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted with a new sentence has been added.
modification

31

34

Process-based modelling. There are so many definitions out there.
This one does not appear to be the best one. If this glossary aims at
providing clarity in the cotext of NGHGI compilation, then some
text indicating how these are used in that context (tier3) may be
useful.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted with Definition expanded. Eexplanation of how process based models are
modification used in the context of GHG accounting is beyond scope for the
Glossary.

13

35

39

Probability. The text makes it sound as if this definition is a materof opinion. Kindly revise and have a statistician help.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted with The probability of an event is a measure of the likelihood that themodification event will occur. Statisticians have agreed on the following rules andconventions. The probability of any event can range from 0 to 1. The
sum of probabilities of all sample points in a sample space is equal to
1.

Glossary

13

35

39

Entry Probability: the entry lacks a straightforward definition, e.g.
'likelihood of an event's occurance'.

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted with The probability of an event is a measure of the likelihood thatmodification the event will occur. Statisticians have agreed on the following rules
and conventions. The probability of any event can range from 0 to 1.
The sum of probabilities of all sample points in a sample space isequal to 1.

GeneralGlossary

13

40

46

PDF. Please have a statistcian revise the text.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

A probability density function (PDF) is a function, whose value at
any given sample (or point) in the sample space (the set of possible
values taken by the random variable) can be interpreted as providing
a relative likelihood that the value of the random variable would
equal that sample.

1148

GeneralGlossary

13

40

46

PDF. Kindly considere editing some of the text. Do total emissions
really have a ''fixed value''? In the same definition. ''fixed'' is usedin reference to a physical constant. Do you not rather mean ''true''
value? Using the latter would more easily connect this concept tothat of úncertainty'' given later in the glossary.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

A probability density function (PDF) is a function, whose value at
any given sample (or point) in the sample space (the set of possible
values taken by the random variable) can be interpreted as providing
a relative likelihood that the value of the random variable would
equal that sample.

3726

GeneralGlossary

14

7

7Delete "store"

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted with This comment refers to the line 7 on page 14 of SOD, aboutmodification "Pumped storage reservoirs". The definition text has been changed
in response to the other comment, and the problem pointed out by
this comment has been addressed in that change.

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Authors note37

Reservoir. The definition given under (2) is best singled out as a
specific definition of ''water reservoir''. Therein it can also be statedthat within the guidelines sometimes a water reservoir is referred toas a reservoir (although the authors should strive to avoid this in
relevant chapters).

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

The second definition for this term was modified to be clear that
reservoir is referring to water impounded behind a dam.

38

40

Residence time. This term is of much wider usage than in relation
to water, in fact has wide use in the description of the lifetime ofclimate change relevant GHGs. Please modify the nameaccordngly, for instance ''water reservoir residence time''.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

Changed to 'water residence time'.

14

41

44

Rice paddies. Kindly check FAO definitions or IRRI definitions forconsistency. ''Arable land'' includes fallow and temporary meadows
and pastures (FAO).

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

Removed the word arable land that has led to confusion.

Glossary15

47

Run-of-the-river. I believe that in the UNFCCC CDM world thisterm was referred to as ''run-of-river''francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

Run-of-river and run-of-the-river are both in common usage. NochangeGeneralGlossary15

4

7

It seems that the definition of "run-of-the-river reservoirs" in page2.15 does not exactly match the term. It is preferable to start thedefinition text with "Reseviors" (e.g. Reseviors for hydroelectric
systems that …).

Naofumi Kosaka

AcceptedDefinition revised

6158

GeneralGlossary

15

77Run-of-the-rivers: It is unclear to me what the words "one day's
annual mean inflow" are intended to mean. Is the interpretation
supposed to be - 1/365th of the annual mean inflow?

Carolyn Maxwell

Accepted

Clarified the definition of one day's mean inflow as per suggestion

1130

GeneralGlossary

15

10

11

Sequestration. The correct term should be ''carbon sequestratoin'',as the simpler term is very generic and has many more meanings
that was is meant herein.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

1132

GeneralGlossary

15

15

18

Soil carbon pool. Kindly re-write for clarity, listing the name of thereservoirs first (Active, Slow and Passive Pools), each followed inparenthesis by the turnover time, characterizes as fast, intermediateand long. Are the values given those specifies at Tier 1? Why
should they be specified in this definitoin? Are countries not free
to define these pools as they preferred? If not, why in this case andnot in all others?

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

6104

GeneralGlossary

15

15

18

It seems that the definition of "soil carbon pool" in page 2.15 does
not exactly match the term.

Naofumi Kosaka

Accepted

6160

GeneralGlossary

15

26

26

Spillway: "high" should be replaced with "higher"

Carolyn Maxwell

Accepted

Made the replacement

1134

GeneralGlossary

15

29

31

SD. Have a statistician review the text.

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

no change seems to be neededComm
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Storage volume: suggest reconsider definition of 'active' storagelevel. The assumption that reservoirs are filled to their spillways
does not always hold. In order to maintain safe operation of dam,the operator may decide to reduce the level to which the dam canroutinely be filled (eg to reduce stress on the structure in order toprevent expensive capital maintainenance). 'Active' storage levelshould be the region of the dam used for storing water, ie theregion between full supply level and the minmium level of theoutlet, where Full Supply Level (FSL) is the maximum level atwhich water can be stored indefinitely.

Carolyn Maxwell

Accepted

Replace references to spillway crest with 'full supply level' andincorporated the reviewer's definition of full supply level.

39

39

Surrogate data. Is this the same as ''proxy data?'' If so perhaps
mention it to facilitate understanding.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

Proxy data added as synonym for surrogate data.

15

39

42

Entry Surrogate data: the more common term used in statistics is'proxy variable'. It would be useful to mention this term, becausesmuch guidance on the use of proxy variables is available from thestatistical literature.

Jessica Chan

Accepted with Proxy data added as synonym for surrogate data.
modification

Glossary

15

39

42

Entry Surrogate data: the more common term used in statistics is'proxy variable'. It would be useful to mention this term, becausesmuch guidance on the use of proxy variables is available from thestatistical literature.

Julian Chow

Accepted with Proxy data added as synonym for surrogate data.
modification

GeneralGlossary

15

39

42

Entry Surrogate data: the more common term used in statistics is'proxy variable'. It would be useful to mention this term, becausesmuch guidance on the use of proxy variables is available from thestatistical literature.

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted with Proxy data added as synonym for surrogate data.
modification

1138

GeneralGlossary

15

43

46

Survey data. It appears this definition is is very dire need of arevisoin by an actual statistician in charge of runing surveys. I am
unaware that surrogate data and assumptions are part of a survey
activity.

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted with It is suggested to substitute the current definition by a definition ofmodification 'survey' as agreed by OECD: A survey is an investigation about thecharacteristics of a given population by means of collecting datafrom a sample of that population and estimating theircharacteristics through the systematic use of statisticalmethodology.

1916

GeneralGlossary

15

46

46

Entry Survey data: the entry seems incomplete or the phrasing is
unfortunate. How is a survey related to 'more general surrogate
data and assumptions'...? Compare against the text in Box 2.2 in
Vol1 Ch.2.

Jessica Chan

Accepted with It is suggested to substitute the current definition by a definition ofmodification 'survey' as agreed by OECD: A survey is an investigation about thecharacteristics of a given population by means of collecting datafrom a sample of that population and estimating theircharacteristics through the systematic use of statisticalmethodology.

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3768

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1382

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3728

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1140

1142

Response

Authors note

46

Entry Survey data: the entry seems incomplete or the phrasing is
unfortunate. How is a survey related to 'more general surrogate
data and assumptions'...? Compare against the text in Box 2.2 in
Vol1 Ch.2.

Julian Chow

Accepted with It is suggested to substitute the current definition by a definition ofmodification 'survey' as agreed by OECD: A survey is an investigation about thecharacteristics of a given population by means of collecting datafrom a sample of that population and estimating theircharacteristics through the systematic use of statisticalmethodology.

46

46

Entry Survey data: the entry seems incomplete or the phrasing is
unfortunate. How is a survey related to 'more general surrogate
data and assumptions'...? Compare against the text in Box 2.2 in
Vol1 Ch.2.

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted with It is suggested to substitute the current definition by a definition ofmodification 'survey' as agreed by OECD: A survey is an investigation about thecharacteristics of a given population by means of collecting datafrom a sample of that population and estimating theircharacteristics through the systematic use of statisticalmethodology.

15

47

54

Systematic and random errors. Again, please revise with astatistician. Secondly, is ''lack of systematic error'' in a set ofmeasurments the same as emissoins estimates that are ''neither anover or undestimate'' language used in the definitoin of accuracy?
If so does not ''accurate'' mean minimization of small systematic
errors and of random errors (precision)?

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

no change seems to be needed. This term was so defined in the
Glossary of the 2006 Guidelines.

Glossary

16

7

10

The glossary defines climate in terms of temperature (temperate,
tropical). It would be useful if the definitions of climate in terms of
wet and dry were also included in the glossary. These are used involume 4 chapter 11.

Andrea TILCHE

AcceptedDefinitions have been added for each of the climates subdivided bytemperature and moisture regimes. See the entry "Template","Tropical" and "Polar/boreal".

GeneralGeneral16

78Temperate, cold. This comment applies to the definitions ofclimatic zones in this glossary. Are they consisten with how thesame terms are used in other IPCC Assessment Reports and morein general in the scientific literature? If so, why can’t a link towhere this definitoin comes from be given?

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

The climate classification in this guidance is used to derive emission
and stock change factors in the AFOLU volume. It is not feasible to
make changes in the classification at this point in the review process
because developing the new default factors requires a synthesis of
the literature that has taken 6-12 months for many of the author
teams. The proposed change may be possible in the next refinement
if harmonization of climate classifications is brought to the attentionof the IPCC experts during the scoping process before preparation of
the report begins.

GeneralGlossary

16

15

17

Time series. Is this the correct definitoin. Why would it be limited
to values affected by random processes. Also, does not involve
only observed values, as it obviously applies to estmates ofemissions as well.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

the word "observed" referes to values in a time series that may begenerated through data observations and/or estimated data

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16

22

26

Trend. What is described here is a rate of change, not a trend. If
this is a specific IPCC meaning, please say so for calrity of
distinguishing it from many other possible uses, including in IPCC
assessment reports and the overall scientific and socio-economic
literature

francesco nicolatubiello

NotedThis is an IPCC definition relevant for the estimation of key category
analysis and uncertainty analysis

1146

GeneralGlossary

16

27

42

Trophic state. First, this term does not apply in general to water
bodies only. Second, it is good to reference a definitoin, provided
that tis is done throughout the glossary, and second, that the
primary reference to the defintion (better if from a recognizedstatistical or appropriate UN process) is given rather than asecondary paper.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

Carlson (1977) is perhaps the most fundamental reference regarding
trophic state in the Aquatic Sciences. This chapter is about water
bodies and we believe the glossary entry provides a clear definitionof its use for the purposes of inventory calculations regarding
inundated lands.

1384

GeneralGlossary

16

45

53

Unbiased estimator. First, kindly consider re-writing the text withthe help of a statistician. Second, it is actually unclear why thisdefinition shoul dbe given in this glossary, i.e., how are unbiased
estimators being used--or referred to-- in this guidelines.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

no change seems to be needed. This term was so defined in the
Glossary of the 2006 Guidelines.

3730

GeneralGlossary

17

4

8

Uncertainty really covers both precision and accuracy. Reference
should be made to these two concepts

Andrea TILCHE

Noted

Uncertainty covers the two concepts, indeed. However, the definition
text in the Glossary of the 2006 Guidelines covers both concepts, andhas been well accepted by inventory compilers for many years,
therefore no need to change.

1150

GeneralGlossary

17

4

8

Uncertainty. The possibility to describe uncertainty with a PDF
implies zero bias --which is instead itself unknown. The use of theterm ''uncertainty'' is problematic, considering that you really mean''confidence interval''. Perhaps indicate that this is ''measurement
uncertainty'' and that is not a exactly statistical concept, but one
taken from metrology.

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

no change seems to be needed

1152

GeneralGlossary

17

12

16

Validation. Of all the terms given in this glossary that havemultiple meanings outside of the GHGI, and for which a strightnarrow definition was given instead (see several comments herein),this is instead a term for which this glossary gives a rather genericdefinition. It is suggested conversely that this is one of those terms
that need to be defined naroowly with respect to its meaning in
NGHGI reporting and review process.

francesco nicolatubiello

Rejected

The defintion does have a sentence that talks to the relevance ofvalidation in the context of emissions inventories.

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17

31

34

Wetland: Many wetlands fill at timescales beyond the annual
timescale included in this definition, especially in arid regions. For
example, they may fill for 3 years and dry for 7 (on average over a
decadal period) Eg, Lake Eyre. the inclusion of wetland plants as adefining character should be softened (eg includes words such asoften or usually). Recommend expanding definition to either
specifically include ephemeral wetlands or explicitly exclude them.

Carolyn Maxwell

Accepted

We removed the reference to wetland plants, and have revised thedefinition so it is clear that the land may be saturated for all or partof the year.

1154

GeneralGlossary

17

31

34

Wetland. This definition should be in line with those of the six
IPCC land use classes. Also, if this is given, than definitions for all
six should be given in this glossary.

francesco nicolatubiello

AcceptedDefinition that was given by IPCC in 2003 has been added.

1156

GeneralGlossary

17

35

39

Withdrawal. Kindly indicate that hti sis a specific, narrow use of
the term for the purpose of these GLs. I actually suspect that thisterm is used in so many different ways throughout the GLs as welas in IPCC Assessment reporst. Better use a more spefici term, e.g.
''Water Dam Withdrawal''

francesco nicolatubiello

Accepted

Changed glossary entry to 'Water withdrawal'. IN Chapter 7 mostoccurrences are as 'water withdrawal'. When just 'withdrawal' is usedin ch7 it is clear from the context that it is referring to water
withdrawal.

6166

GeneralGlossary

17

37

38

Withdrawal: ensure metalimnion, epilimnion, hypolimnion are
included in glossary

Carolyn Maxwell

Accepted

Added entry for metalimnion

1026

GeneralGlossary

1

1

GENERAL. Although it is fully understood that the definitions
presented are those used purely for the purpose of compiling
MGHGIs, it is nonetheless advise to involve the international
statistical community to ensure consistency of definitions where
possible. At the same time, inserting pointers linking specific IPCC
definitions to international definitions of more general applicability
should be seen as an opportunity to facilitate teh work of users
across different communities.

francesco nicolatubiello

Noted

1028

GeneralGlossary

1

1

A definition of ''Tier'' is missing but would be welcome --forinstance the one given in Vol 1.

francesco nicolatubiello

Acceptedsuggestion implemented as suggested

6096

GeneralGlossary1

1

New terms are related to wetlands only. It is preferable to add
cross-sectoral terms (e.g. "peat" is used in AFOLU as well as
energy sectors). One of alternative ways is inserting glossary
section in Chapter 7, Volume 4.

Naofumi Kosaka

Noted

It is consistent with the 2006 guidelines to have terms for AFOLU inthis glossary.

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Authors note

GeneralGlossary--

General comment: the Glossary does not systematicaly define
terms. Not every entry starts with a definition, some are formal
definitions, some more informal. Entries are found to be any mix
of definitional elements, explanations of the purpose and use of theterm, and examples. This undermines the perceived quality of the
Glossary. The Glossary would benefit from an integral review,
instead of focusing on revising/adding individual items, as seems
to have been done.

Jessica Chan

Noted

Glossary is not within the scope of major refinement approved by the
IPCC at its 44th Session. In principle major changes should not bemade to keep consistency with the Glossary in the 2006 IPCC
Guidelines. The suggested changes may be considered in the future
full revision of the guidelines.

1912

GeneralGlossary--

General comment: the Glossary includes a selection of terms withvery specific statistical definitions. For some of these terms this is
explicitly noted (e.g. for 'Coefficient of variation), but not forothers. Some entries explain the usage of the term in the Guidelines(e.g. Confidence), some stay close to a formal statistical definition
without referencing to the use. A uniform approach to presenting
these terms would help to a) identify them, preferably
distinguishing clearly between the generic definition and the
Guidelines definition and b) to explain usage in the Guidelines
context

Jessica Chan

Noted

Glossary is not within the scope of major refinement approved by the
IPCC at its 44th Session. In principle major changes should not bemade to keep consistency with the Glossary in the 2006 IPCC
Guidelines. The suggested changes may be considered in the future
full revision of the guidelines.

2174

GeneralGlossary--

General comment: the Glossary does not systematicaly define
terms. Not every entry starts with a definition, some are formal
definitions, some more informal. Entries are found to be any mix
of definitional elements, explanations of the purpose and use of theterm, and examples. This undermines the perceived quality of the
Glossary. The Glossary would benefit from an integral review,
instead of focusing on revising/adding individual items, as seems
to have been done.

Julian Chow

Noted

Glossary is not within the scope of major refinement approved by the
IPCC at its 44th Session. In principle major changes should not bemade to keep consistency with the Glossary in the 2006 IPCC
Guidelines. The suggested changes may be considered in the future
full revision of the guidelines.

2176

GeneralGlossary--

General comment: the Glossary includes a selection of terms withvery specific statistical definitions. For some of these terms this is
explicitly noted (e.g. for 'Coefficient of variation), but not forothers. Some entries explain the usage of the term in the Guidelines(e.g. Confidence), some stay close to a formal statistical definition
without referencing to the use. A uniform approach to presenting
these terms would help to a) identify them, preferably
distinguishing clearly between the generic definition and the
Guidelines definition and b) to explain usage in the Guidelines
context

Julian Chow

Noted

Glossary is not within the scope of major refinement approved by the
IPCC at its 44th Session. In principle major changes should not bemade to keep consistency with the Glossary in the 2006 IPCC
Guidelines. The suggested changes may be considered in the future
full revision of the guidelines.

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Comment

ExpertResponse

Authors note

GeneralGlossary--

General comment: the Glossary does not systematicaly define
terms. Not every entry starts with a definition, some are formal
definitions, some more informal. Entries are found to be any mix
of definitional elements, explanations of the purpose and use of theterm, and examples. This undermines the perceived quality of the
Glossary. The Glossary would benefit from an integral review,
instead of focusing on revising/adding individual items, as seems
to have been done.

Andrea TILCHE

Noted

Glossary is not within the scope of major refinement approved by the
IPCC at its 44th Session. In principle major changes should not bemade to keep consistency with the Glossary in the 2006 IPCC
Guidelines. The suggested changes may be considered in the future
full revision of the guidelines.

3734

GeneralGlossary--

General comment: the Glossary includes a selection of terms withvery specific statistical definitions. For some of these terms this is
explicitly noted (e.g. for 'Coefficient of variation), but not forothers. Some entries explain the usage of the term in the Guidelines(e.g. Confidence), some stay close to a formal statistical definition
without referencing to the use. A uniform approach to presenting
these terms would help to a) identify them, preferably
distinguishing clearly between the generic definition and the
Guidelines definition and b) to explain usage in the Guidelines
context

Andrea TILCHE

Noted

Glossary is not within the scope of major refinement approved by the
IPCC at its 44th Session. In principle major changes should not bemade to keep consistency with the Glossary in the 2006 IPCC
Guidelines. The suggested changes may be considered in the future
full revision of the guidelines.

3736

GeneralGlossary--

General comment: the use of italic font is not uniform. In somecases it is to identify terms with entries in the Glossary, while inother cases it seems to be to signify a keyword without entry. As
this is confusing, the suggestion would be to use different
formatting for these distinctive purposes.

Andrea TILCHE

Noted

The 2019 Refinement follows the 2006 Guidelines with regard to useof italic fonts. Italic fonts in the 2006 Guidelines does not mean thatword is included in the Glossary, but are used to highlight some key
words (e.g. "good practice".)

3738

GeneralGlossary--

General comment: some use is made of cross-referencing between
terms, but it could be done more systematically, especially among
related statisticial terms (e.g. bias, systematic error, accuracy etc.)

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted

This will be taken into account in preparing the final draft.

3750

GeneralGlossary--

Entries Confidence interval and Normal distribution: spell out PDF
or make clear by using e.g. italics that there is an entry for thisterm

Andrea TILCHE

3754

GeneralGlossary--

Entries Correlation and Correlation coefficient: consider using theterm 'relationship' instead of 'dependence'. The word dependence
suggests causation.

Andrea TILCHE

3764

GeneralGlossary--

Entry Quality Assurance and Quality Control: it would be useful toindicate how these entries relate to the entries 'validation' and'verification', including cross-referencing within the Glossary, butalso to Box 6.1, Vol.1 Ch. 6.

Andrea TILCHE

Accepted with PDF spelt out in Normal distribution. Confidence Interval definition
modification has been changed

Acceptedchange implemented as suggested

Accepted with comment addressed in chapter 6 of the Volume 1
modification