Glossary

Reduction is a chemical reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In return, another substance gives up the electrons and is oxidised in the process. The reduction is therefore a partial reaction of a redox reaction.

Humidity indicates the proportion of water vapour in a gas mixture. Since gases cannot absorb an unlimited amount of water, the relative humidity, on the other hand, describes the actual water content in relation to the physical maximum of a gas mixture.  

Recycling means the treatment and reuse of waste for new products.

The term refers to the formation of the earth’s surface or the shape of a terrain and can be described, for example, on the basis of differences in height, slope and distance.

Red lists provide information about the endangerment status, the endangerment factors and the measures to protect the species in certain regions.

Sphagnum mosses feed their water balance solely from rainwater and are built up almost exclusively from peat-forming mosses. Due to the high-water level (lack of oxygen and increased acidity), organic residues hardly decompose, and peat build-up takes place very slowly (approx. 1 mm per year). Peat bogs develop on impermeable mineral soils or on fens.