Uncertainty terminology : Version 1.0

Abstract

This document is intended to provide an overview of the wide variety of terms and concepts that are being used when discussing uncertainty. This document has been written in response to an expressed need by the Knowledge for Climate theme 2 consortium to get some clarity on the terminology that is being used when discussing uncertainty in various scientific and policy domains. This document has been written by the researchers working on projects belonging to work package 5 on uncertainty. Knowledge for climate is a research program that is developing knowledge and services that can be used to support investment decisions in spatial planning and infrastructures with respect to their climate proofing. Uncertainty is intrinsic to these decisions. However, since uncertainty is so intrinsic to these decisions, the various policy domains and scientific fields have all developed their own terminology for discussing uncertainty. It is the hope that the offered overview in this document can create some clarity on these terms and facilitate communication across domains and scientific fields.