Society's Metabolism-The Intellectual History of Materials Flow Analysis, Part I, 1860-1970

摘要: Summary “Societal metabolism” provides the appropriate conceptual basis for rapidly growing development and analylical policy interest in materials flow analysis (MFA). Following review of earlier intellectual background societal metabolism first installment this two-part article, paper focuses on current state art by examining more recent research referring t o terms material substance flows. An operational classification literature according to frame reference (socioeconomic system, ecosystem), system level (global, national, regional, functional, temporal), types flows under consideration (materials, energy, substances) highlights some its characteristic features. There follows an integrated discussion major methodological properties MFA, with a particular focus field bulk national level, comparing empirical results. Finally, theoretical stringency productivity, political relevance MFA-related studies are assessed.