Material Flows in Socioeconomic System

This chapter aims to introduce the relationship between human and the environment, the concept of material, the concept and influence of material flows, as well as the concept and development history of material flow analysis. First, by introducing the relationship between humans and the environment, it explains the exchange of materials between society and the natural environment, as well as the related production and consumption processes, directly or indirectly contributing to the degradation of the earth. This helps to recognize the important roles of materials and material flows in the socioeconomic system. Subsequently, the chapter introduces the concepts of material and material flow, and discusses the impacts of material flows in the socioeconomic system. Then it introduces the concept and the development of material flow analysis. Finally, it uses case studies to demonstrate the practical applications of material flow analysis in the socioeconomic system.