Global Information Environment Research Articles

Current and Near-Term Earth-Observing Environmental Satellites, Their Missions, Characteristics, Instruments, and Applications.

Among the essential tools to address global environmental information requirements are the Earth-Observing (EO) satellites with free and open data access. This paper reviews those EO satellites from international space programs that already, or will in the next decade or so, provide essential data of importance to the environmental sciences that describe Earth's status. We summarize factors distinguishing those pioneering satellites placed in space over the past half century, and their links to modern ones, and the changing priorities for spaceborne instruments and platforms. We illustrate the broad sweep of instrument technologies useful for observing different aspects of the physio-biological aspects of the Earth's surface, spanning wavelengths from the UV-A at 380 nanometers to microwave and radar out to 1 m. We provide a background on the technical specifications of each mission and its primary instrument(s), the types of data collected, and examples of applications that illustrate these observations. We provide websites for additional mission details of each instrument, the history or context behind their measurements, and additional details about their instrument design, specifications, and measurements.

Characteristics of modern network communication in the aspect of the formation of media and information literacy of students (using the example of the analysis of media texts of social networks)

Problem and objective. Problematic issues of communication in the Internet space, on social networks in particular, are among the most pressing today, attracting the attention of teachers, scientists of various specialties, and Internet users. For this reason, studying the features of the content, language, and ethical standards of media texts on social networks, as the most popular among young people, is an urgent problem of modern science and education. The purpose of the presented research is to point out the media texts contents problematic issues, linguistic design and speech ethics, to substantiate the need to develop students' media literacy and suggest some practical work in this direction. Material and methods. The research material was media texts from social networks that are of educational nature. To study them, the following methods were used: the method of collecting media text data, the method of processing the obtained data (generalization, comparison, classification, systematization); method for interpreting research results. Research results. Within the framework of this study, it was possible to identify the main negative trends in network communication: simplification of the content of media texts, deviation from the norms of literary language and even their complete ignoring, colloquialization, use of rude colloquial, slang, obscene vocabulary; low quality language game, language cynicism. The analysis of educational and cultural-educational media texts makes it possible to outline some areas of practical activity aimed at fighting current negative tendencies of the Internet communication. Conclusion. The conclusion is made about the need to improve students’ media literacy as a means of representatives of the younger generation adequate interaction with the global information environment. A simulator will serve these purposes, which should include media texts of various genres and tasks for them. A distinctive feature of this simulator is that it takes into account modern trends in Russian education aimed at preserving and enhancing traditional spiritual and moral values. Media literacy is a step towards media culture, the formation of which is possible only in the case of a personal attitude to the native language.

Formation of a system for managing the economic security of business in the global information environment

In today's global information environment, business economic security is becoming an increasingly urgent problem. An important aspect is forming an effective economic security management system, allowing it to resist potential threats and minimize risks. The study aims to identify modern threats to the economic security of business and determine the principles of the formation of its management system in the global information environment. The components of the economic security management system of business (security objects, security subjects, goals and objectives, functions, principles, and management methods) are substantiated. The need to ensure the economic security of business is determined, which shows the importance of developing digital entrepreneurship as a critical element of economic growth, job creation, and the activation of innovation and investment processes. The formation of a digital business environment is based on digital opportunities thanks to using the potential of digital networks. A study of enterprises' use of information and communication technologies was conducted. It has been established that constant monitoring of external and internal threats to business activity will provide an opportunity to identify the causes, nature, and intensity of their action and predict the negative consequences of the impact on the level of economic security of business. At the same time, special attention should be paid to the analysis of the technological external environment, when the use of information systems, new technologies for the design and production of products, and modern electronic models of conducting business activities will contribute to favorable competitive positions of the business. Keywords: management of economic security, global information environment, business, management system.

MODERN ONLINE CONSTRUCTORS OF CROSS-MEDIA STORIES: VARIETIES, TOOLS AND APPLICATION FEATURES

The phenomenon of storytelling is not new in the global information environment, but it has significantly evolved in the era of digital transformation. Moreover, the rapid development of network technologies, alongside the total digitization of society, has transformed storytelling into a unique media formation with a powerful synergistic effect achieved through the merger of cross-media components. This study focuses on the toolkit of modern storytelling, particularly on online resources for creating cross-media stories. Various types of such constructors are considered, specifically in the context of the functioning of the Ukrainian media sphere. The features of using certain popular multifunctional online storytelling tools are described in a journalistic dimension, to create such cross-media products as longreads, multimedia texts, and more. The level of presence of the issue of constructing cross-media stories in the research field of contemporary scholars is reflected.

New Developments in Geopolitics: A Reassessment of Theories after 2023

The scope of this article is to make a synthesis of the theory of geopolitics with new trends and characteristics of the new global environment. Traditional geopolitical theories are established on the basis of sovereign states. The starting point of many theories is for sovereign states to compete for world hegemony, or to gain an advantage in competition with their opponents. Geopolitical research also mostly starts from the interests of the country. However, as global environmental changes, transnational crimes, terrorism, information security, and other non-traditional security threats have become common threats to human society, their impact also crosses borders and has global characteristics, which also means solving geopolitical issues. Thinking needs to change from a national perspective to a global perspective. On the other hand, as the international community pays more and more attention to human rights, the challenge of human rights to sovereignty has become an unavoidable reality in current international politics. With the progress of the times, the protection and respect of civil rights has become the basic consensus of the international community. Nowadays, the issue of virtual rights such as carbon emission rights have also been included in the geopolitics theory, creating a strong shift of paradigm towards a renewed theory.

Foreword by the Editor-in-Chief

Dear colleagues, On one of these days preceding a New Year celebration, you hold in your hands or read on your screen the last issue of the Journal of Ophthalmology (Ukraine) for the year 2023. Although the year that passes was very difficult and challenging for all of us, our authors’ hard work and readers’ interest allowed us not only to maintain, but also to keep raising the journal’s academic level. At present, the journal is the only Ukrainian ophthalmological journal indexed by Scopus and cited in foreign publications. The English version of the journal is equivalent to its original Ukrainian version and is an ope-access journal which is integrated harmoniously into the current global fast-pace information environment. Our constant cooperation with our authors contributes to improved scientific quality of publications in the journal, which attracts the attention of foreign authors and international organizations. Our editorial staff’s primary New Year’s wish is peace! We wish victory for all of us! And we wish inspiration and advances in science for all our readers and colleagues! From our side, we will certainly be making extra effort in 2024 to select, process and publish high-quality science, and to improve our cooperation with authors and international cooperation. We are grateful to our authors, who despite current hardship, continue working and reporting on the results of their studies and interesting cases in ophthalmology. Our editorial staff would also like to express our gratitude to our dear reviewers - our work would be impossible without them! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2024! Let you live in peace and harmony, and let your dreams come true! Nataliya Pasyechnikova

TDDFusion: A Target-Driven Dual Branch Network for Infrared and Visible Image Fusion.

In the field of image fusion, the integration of infrared and visible images aims to combine complementary features into a unified representation. However, not all regions within an image bear equal importance. Target objects, often pivotal in subsequent decision-making processes, warrant particular attention. Conventional deep-learning approaches for image fusion primarily focus on optimizing textural detail across the entire image at a pixel level, neglecting the pivotal role of target objects and their relevance to downstream visual tasks. In response to these limitations, TDDFusion, a Target-Driven Dual-Branch Fusion Network, has been introduced. It is explicitly designed to enhance the prominence of target objects within the fused image, thereby bridging the existing performance disparity between pixel-level fusion and downstream object detection tasks. The architecture consists of a parallel, dual-branch feature extraction network, incorporating a Global Semantic Transformer (GST) and a Local Texture Encoder (LTE). During the training phase, a dedicated object detection submodule is integrated to backpropagate semantic loss into the fusion network, enabling task-oriented optimization of the fusion process. A novel loss function is devised, leveraging target positional information to amplify visual contrast and detail specific to target objects. Extensive experimental evaluation on three public datasets demonstrates the model's superiority in preserving global environmental information and local detail, outperforming state-of-the-art alternatives in balancing pixel intensity and maintaining the texture of target objects. Most importantly, it exhibits significant advantages in downstream object detection tasks.

Electronic Banking and Information Technology using the TOPSIS Method

Electronic banking, sometimes referred to as electronic transfer of funds (EFT), is the process of moving money electronically from one account to another. A 2015 Treasury Department poll found that 22% of mobile telephone owners conduct banking transactions online or over the phone as opposed to in person. They accomplish this via computer technology, telecommunications, and mobile payments. Automatic bill and paycheck deductions, computerized money transfers for online spending, and payment machines (ATMs) are some of its features. In the banking sector, information technology refers to the application of cutting-edge computer science and information and communication technologies. It retains a strategic advantage over all the other banks by offering its customers safe, dependable, and inexpensive services. A variety of banking services and other facilities that use electronic technology are referred to as electronic banking. Services for debit cards and ATMs. Banking over the phone. Online banking is one of the main services offered by banks, and it is also a relatively safe platform. Banks often use encryption technology to safeguard all client data and stop security lapses. Last, it provides protection from online scams and account hacking. Electronic banking, sometimes known as e-banking, is a broad term for using technology to access banking services, Internet banking, on the other hand, is a type of electronic banking. It employs electronic ways to move money straight from one accounts to another and is also referred to as a "Electronic Funds Transfer" (EFT). Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are online banking facilities that let customers do transactions without going to a bank location. Some ATMs only let you withdraw cash, while others let you do a wide range of things like check deposits, current accounts, and bill payments. Mobile banking is only possible through mobile devices, but digital banking gives you access to a variety of banking options from your desktop, tablet, laptop, etc. Also, you can do mobile banking through SMS or banking applications without the need for the internet. By replacing document and labor-intensive techniques with automated processes, internet banking has become an effective resource for increased productivity and profitability, operational control, and cost savings. Examining how online banking affects consumer happiness is the goal of this empirical study. The goal of electronic banking is to increase customer happiness and lessen crowding in bank lobby areas. Banks have not adequately utilised these facilities despite their introduction. Customers' unhappiness and crowded in the financial institutions are results of this. To convey different financial services and goods, telecommunication systems and electronic networks are used. A customer can use his or her computer or mobile device to access his or her account and manage several transactions with e-banking. E-banking has become a more important aspect thanks to advancements in financial innovation and inventiveness of the banking sector. In the present day, e-banking has changed everyone's lives. The wave of the information revolution is taken into consideration after the farms and factories revolutions. Prior to the introduction of online banking, customers had to physically visit the credit union to conduct their savings account operations. Many computer-savvy people enjoy using e-banking. Since the number of individuals using the internet has expanded over time and more people are becoming aware of the numerous advantages that online banking offers, its popularity has surged rapidly. TOPSIS method of ranking evaluated based on enhanced ambiguity comparison with weighted average. One of the typical approaches Multiple response in the process used in TOPSIS to improve problems, reduce uncertainty determining the weight of each response and manageable at the same time A global approach continuously. Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) technology, Real time gross settlement (RTGS), National electronic fund transfers (NEFT), Cheque truncation system (CTS), Automated teller machines (ATMs), Smartcard banking, Core banking solutions (CBS), Mobile banking and Internet banking. Global financial environment, Financial innovations and technologies and Information technology. Electronic Banking and Information Technology. Automated teller machines (ATMs) is got the first rank whereas is the National electronic fund transfer (NEFT) is having the Lowest rank. Electronic Banking and Information Technology. Automated teller machines (ATMs) is got the first rank whereas is the National electronic fund transfer (NEFT) is having the Lowest rank.

Small-Scale Ship Detection for SAR Remote Sensing Images Based on Coordinate-Aware Mixed Attention and Spatial Semantic Joint Context

With the rapid development of deep learning technology in recent years, convolutional neural networks have gained remarkable progress in SAR ship detection tasks. However, noise interference of the background and inadequate appearance features of small-scale objects still pose challenges. To tackle these issues, we propose a small ship detection algorithm for SAR images by means of a coordinate-aware mixed attention mechanism and spatial semantic joint context method. First, the coordinate-aware mixed attention mechanism innovatively combines coordinate-aware channel attention and spatial attention to achieve coordinate alignment of mixed attention features. In this way, attention with finer spatial granularity is conducive to strengthening the focusing ability on small-scale objects, thereby suppressing the background clutters accurately. In addition, the spatial semantic joint context method exploits the local and global environmental information jointly. The detailed spatial cues contained in the multi-scale local context and the generalized semantic information encoded in the global context are used to enhance the feature expression and distinctiveness of small-scale ship objects. Extensive experiments are conducted on the LS-SSDD-v1.0 and the HRSID dataset. The results with an average precision of 77.23% and 90.85% on the two datasets show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Analysis of Electronic Banking and Information Technology using the TOPSIS Method

Electronic banking, sometimes referred to as electronic transfer of funds (EFT), is the process of moving money electronically from one account to another. A 2015 Treasury Department poll found that 22% of mobile telephone owners conduct banking transactions online or over the phone as opposed to in person. They accomplish this via computer technology, telecommunications, and mobile payments. Automatic bill and paycheck deductions, computerized money transfers for online spending, and payment machines (ATMs) are some of its features. In the banking sector, information technology refers to the application of cutting-edge computer science and information and communication technologies. It retains a strategic advantage over all the other banks by offering its customers safe, dependable, and inexpensive services. A variety of banking services and other facilities that use electronic technology are referred to as electronic banking. Services for debit cards and ATMs. Banking over the phone. Online banking is one of the main services offered by banks, and it is also a relatively safe platform. Banks often use encryption technology to safeguard all client data and stop security lapses. Last, it provides protection from online scams and account hacking. Electronic banking, sometimes known as e-banking, is a broad term for using technology to access banking services, Internet banking, on the other hand, is a type of electronic banking. It employs electronic ways to move money straight from one accounts to another and is also referred to as an "Electronic Funds Transfer" (EFT). Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are online banking facilities that let customers do transactions without going to a bank location. Some ATMs only let you withdraw cash, while others let you do a wide range of things like check deposits, current accounts, and bill payments. Mobile banking is only possible through mobile devices, but digital banking gives you access to a variety of banking options from your desktop, tablet, laptop, etc. Also, you can do mobile banking through SMS or banking applications without the need for the Internet. By replacing document and labor-intensive techniques with automated processes, internet banking has become an effective resource for increased productivity and profitability, operational control, and cost savings. Examining how online banking affects consumer happiness is the goal of this empirical study. The goal of electronic banking is to increase customer happiness and lessen crowding in bank lobby areas. Banks have not adequately utilized these facilities despite their introduction. Customers' unhappiness and being crowded in the financial institutions are results of this. To convey different financial services and goods, telecommunication systems and electronic networks are used. A customer can use his or her computer or mobile device to access his or her account and manage several transactions with e-banking. E-banking has become a more important aspect thanks to advancements in financial innovation and inventiveness of the banking sector. In the present day, e-banking has changed everyone's lives. The wave of the information revolution is taken into consideration after the farms and factories revolutions. Prior to the introduction of online banking, customers had to physically visit the credit union to conduct their savings account operations. Many computer-savvy people enjoy using e-banking. Since the number of individuals using the internet has expanded over time and more people are becoming aware of the numerous advantages that online banking offers, its popularity has surged rapidly. TOPSIS method of ranking evaluated based on enhanced ambiguity comparison with weighted average. One of the typical approaches Multiple responses in the process used in TOPSIS to improve problems, reduce uncertainty determining the weight of each response and manageable at the same time A global approach continuously. Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) technology, Real time gross settlement (RTGS), National electronic fund transfers (NEFT), Cheque truncation system (CTS), Automated teller machines (ATMs), Smartcard banking, Core banking solutions (CBS), Mobile banking and Internet banking. Global financial environment, financial innovations and technologies and Information technology. Electronic Banking and Information Technology. Automated teller machines (ATMs) is got the first rank whereas is the National electronic fund transfer (NEFT) is having the Lowest rank. Electronic Banking and Information Technology. Automated teller machines (ATMs) is got the first rank whereas is the National electronic fund transfer (NEFT) is having the Lowest rank.

Biologically Inspired Complete Coverage Path Planning Algorithm Based on Q-Learning.

Complete coverage path planning requires that the mobile robot traverse all reachable positions in the environmental map. Aiming at the problems of local optimal path and high path coverage ratio in the complete coverage path planning of the traditional biologically inspired neural network algorithm, a complete coverage path planning algorithm based on Q-learning is proposed. The global environment information is introduced by the reinforcement learning method in the proposed algorithm. In addition, the Q-learning method is used for path planning at the positions where the accessible path points are changed, which optimizes the path planning strategy of the original algorithm near these obstacles. Simulation results show that the algorithm can automatically generate an orderly path in the environmental map, and achieve 100% coverage with a lower path repetition ratio.

Protection of Intellectual Property Rights from Cyber Threats in the Global Information Environment

The encouragement of creative, scientific, inventive activity and business competition largely depends on the solid protection of intellectual property and related rights on the internet. The problem of such protection lies in the transnational nature of the internet, the absence of a unified centralized management, the difficulty of proving infringements, as well as in the insufficient regulation of this issue. This article analyses the protection of intellectual property rights on the internet in Ukraine, the potential and real threats to them in the cybernetic domain, and the key areas of related activity of state bodies and individuals. The research uses a method of synthesis and analysis, comparative legal analysis, and systemic and formal-logical methods. This article analyses the normative legal documents of Ukraine on intellectual property and rights on the internet, points out their shortcomings, and provides advice on their use. Recommendations are given on how to ensure the protection of intellectual rights through preventive measures and subsequent judicial and extrajudicial proceedings, indicating ways to ensure cybersecurity in relation the intellectual property of individuals.

The expansion of «digital» as a means of achieving success in military confrontations and civil activism in modern times

The realities of modern digital technologies in the cross-media global information environment are one of the most relevant topics of today. In light of recent military conflicts, our article attempts to identify and describe the most important aspects of digitization through the prism of contemporary military confrontations, including the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and global manifestations of civil activism. The study focuses on specific developments and innovations that demonstrate the impact of digitalization trends on Ukrainian resistance to aggression, as well as the course of other global military conflicts and civil resistance actions. To this end, technologies related to the tools used in the enemy’s resistance strategy are examined, including cutting-edge systems for information content production, search, acquisition, and processing, as well as analysis, verification, and visualization. Innovative digital developments for successful military operations, reliable defense capabilities during times of conflict, and digital communication tools and means that ensure human safety in such conditions are described. The level of reflection of the aforementioned aspects in the works of domestic and foreign researchers is demonstrated.

Substantiation of solutions in the field of digitalization of container services of the Оktyabrskaya railway

Background: in terms of current trends in the development of the transport industry and technological trends, it is possible to single out the use of digital tools in order to optimize the logistics of multimodal cargo transportation. The improvement of logistics services involves the expansion of the line of digital participants in the transportation process, the development of mobility ecosystems, the formation of a system of digital transport corridors and directly leads to the personalization of digital consumer behavior.
 Aim: to evaluate the main container services and logistics efficiency of multimodal cargo transportation along with technologies implemented in the process of cargo transportation. We confirm that the proposed solutions make it possible to increase the efficiency of the transport organization through the use of digital logistics tools.
 Methods: the methodology of the study is based on the analysis of data on the volumes, timing and structure of cargo transported by containers through the ports of the North-West, evaluation of projects for container transportation of goods and evaluation of the effects of their implementation at the site of the Oktyabrskaya Railway - a branch of JSC Russian Railways, taking into account digital coordination of the process of interaction with seaports. The information base of the study is based on reports and the regulatory framework of the Oktyabrskaya Railway - a branch of JSC Russian Railways and methods of planning and rationing expenses during track work.
 Results: the evaluation of the container services of the Oktyabrskaya Railway through the ports of St. Petersburg is given, the key functions of the Road information and logistics system in the digital coordination of the interaction process with seaports are updated, the need to expand the capabilities of the online services of JSC Russian Railways is justified.
 Conclusion: the results of the study confirm that fundamentally new approaches to the organization of multimodal cargo transportation by containers and the movement towards personalization of logistics solutions for certain customer requests in terms of the introduction of digital logistics tools opens up broad prospects for the formation and development of external and internal online services and services, ensuring transparency of relationships with customers and partners throughout the service cycle on multimodal transportation with the subsequent creation of a global information environment for all participants of transportation.

American Mass Culture as a Global Instrument of Influence

The author emphasizes that the dissemination of information and communication technologies and, above all, the development of audiovisual entertainment allows the United States to dictate its vision of the development of the global information and cultural environment and deprives others states of such privileges. Ironically, it can be argued that the invention of mass culture has become one of the most ambitious and successful American projects in constructing a profitable homogeneous global environment. It should be considered that the hegemony of the United States in the creation and dissemination of cultural goods is the cause of unification of the global cultural space, in which the American mass culture is trying to actively interact with the national cultures of the world. The article analyzes the essence of US mass culture, its main characteristics and features of distribution. Special attention is paid to modern trends in the Americanization processes of the global environment, such as appropriation, standardization and McDonaldization of culture, their characteristic features and effects. In the context of rapid globalization processes and the development of the post-industrial era, the author assesses he status of US mass culture as a consolidating tool in the global information space. At the same time, in this study mass culture is considered as an integral factor in the “soft power” of the United States.

Fraseological Units in English Discourse of Mass Media: Functional-Linguistic Analysis

This article is devoted to the study of the way phraseological units function in the English mass-media discourse. The choice of English-language journalistic texts as the object of the study is due to their prevalence and significance in the global information environment, the widespread use of phraseological units and idiomatic vocabulary in the media, as well as the significant pragmatic potential and multifunctionality of English-language phraseological units, which make up the arsenal of means for journalists to perform their key professional tasks. Based on the analysis of modern theoretical sources, the article investigates the issues of the functional and pragmatic nature of phraseological units, while specific empirical material of English-language media illustrates the selected functions of phraseolog- ical units, considered in their relation to the functions of media texts. The study also provides the functional analysis of the problems and features of the use of phraseological units. In addition, the author pays special attention to the connection of English-language phraseological units with the linguocultural worldview of native speakers, as well as the main characteristic features of the journalistic style of speech. The study confirms that most phraseological units are aimed at performing several tasks simultaneously within one text. Their use allows the producer of the mass-media discourse to bring the media text closer to the work of art in terms of style and language, providing it with emotional and evaluational information, to make the text more fascinating for the reader, to succinctly and convincingly express the thoughts and emotions of the journalist in relation to the subject described, as well as to convey various elements of a certain nation’s culture to the recipient.

Information Environment Quantifiers as Investment Analysis Basis

The combination of the processes of widespread digitalization and globalization of the world economy has led to a significant expansion of the global information environment. The modern information environment is dynamically active, and changes in it are indicators of changes in the material world. This specificity can be used for investment analysis purposes. However, at the time of this research, a universal methodology for analyzing the information environment has not yet been formed. The purpose of this study is to develop tools for quantifying the information environment and testing them as investment predictors. The key result of this study is a stock price forecasting model based on information environment quantifiers and its critical analysis. The results obtained will be useful both for investors of different skill levels and for researchers of the information environment.

A Neural Network-Based Navigation Approach for Autonomous Mobile Robot Systems

A mobile robot is a futuristic technology that is changing the industry of automobiles as well as boosting the operations of on-demand services and applications. The navigation capability of mobile robots is a crucial task and one of the complex processes that guarantees moving from a starting position to a destination. To prevent any potential incidents or accidents, navigation must focus on the obstacle avoidance issue. This paper considers the navigation scenario of a mobile robot with a finite number of motion types without global environmental information. In addition, appropriate human decisions on motion types were collected in situations involving various obstacle features, and the corresponding environmental information was also recorded with the human decisions to establish a database. Further, an algorithm is proposed to train a neural network model via supervising learning using the collected data to replicate the human decision-making process under the same navigation scenario. The performance of the neural network-based decision-making method was cross-validated using both training and testing data to show an accuracy level close to 90%. In addition, the trained neural network model was installed on a virtual mobile robot within a mobile robot navigation simulator to interact with the environment and to make the decisions, and the results showed the effectiveness and efficacy of the proposed algorithm.

Developing Globally Inclusive Practices for Library Instruction Sessions

Student diversity in the classroom and on campuses is increasing. As librarians prepare to visit classrooms for single instruction sessions, it is important to account for global perspectives present in those environments as well as in the information that students use in their courses. This article presents a case study based on two workshops (one conducted locally and one at a conference) of ways to modify library instruction materials and intentionally plan for broader audiences. Techniques from the workshops, based on inclusive and global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, are presented. Librarians, by planning intentionally and developing globally inclusive practices as instructors, will help students successfully scaffold information literacy techniques into their global information environment.

Are Global Environmental Uncertainties Inevitable? Measuring Desertification for the SDGs

Continuing uncertainty about the present magnitudes of global environmental change phenomena limits scientific understanding of human impacts on Planet Earth, and the quality of scientific advice to policy makers on how to tackle these phenomena. Yet why global environmental uncertainties are so great, why they persist, how their magnitudes differ from one phenomenon to another, and whether they can be reduced is poorly understood. To address these questions, a new tool, the Uncertainty Assessment Framework (UAF), is proposed that builds on previous research by dividing sources of environmental uncertainty into categories linked to features inherent in phenomena, and insufficient capacity to conceptualize and measure phenomena. Applying the UAF shows that, based on its scale, complexity, areal variability and turnover time, desertification is one of the most inherently uncertain global environmental change phenomena. Present uncertainty about desertification is also very high and persistent: the Uncertainty Score of a time series of five estimates of the global extent of desertification shows limited change and has a mean of 6.8, on a scale from 0 to 8, based on the presence of four conceptualization uncertainties (terminological difficulties, underspecification, understructuralization and using proxies) and four measurement uncertainties (random errors, systemic errors, scalar deficiencies and using subjective judgment). This suggests that realization of the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Target 15.3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 (“Life on Land”) will be difficult to monitor in dry areas. None of the estimates in the time series has an Uncertainty Score of 2 when, according to the UAF, evaluation by statistical methods alone would be appropriate. This supports claims that statistical methods have limitations for evaluating very uncertain phenomena. Global environmental uncertainties could be reduced by devising better rules for constructing global environmental information which integrate conceptualization and measurement. A set of seven rules derived from the UAF is applied here to show how to measure desertification, demonstrating that uncertainty about it is not inevitable. Recent review articles have advocated using ‘big data’ to fill national data gaps in monitoring LDN and other SDG 15 targets, but an evaluation of a sample of three exemplar studies using the UAF still gives a mean Uncertainty Score of 4.7, so this approach will not be straightforward.