300032 VO Human and Social Ecology (2009W)

In order to be able to provide a scientific basis for sustainability, science must achieve a better understanding of the interrelations between society, economy and ecosystems. This introductory lecture presents fundamental concepts for the analysis of society-nature interaction. It focuses on socioeconomic metabolism and land use. Population growth, energy flows, landscape development and transitions from hunter-gatherers to agrarian to industrial society are also covered.