Social Metabolism at the Regional Scale

Abstract

In order to satisfy its needs, P has two extreme and opposite options: obtaining all that is required from ecological interchange, i.e., from TEN, MEN, and CEN; or obtain what is needed only from economic exchange, i.e., from SEN. The former alternative demands adopting a strategy of diversified activities occurring throughout the year as the only possible way of obtaining from the landscape all the materials, energies, water, and services needed for its survival.