Global shortages of fossil, mineral, and agricultural resources,
coupled with passed global boundaries, climate changes and rising
public debt, represent a systemic risk that threatens economic and
social stability. This text examines the interconnectedness of raw
material supply, state budgets, and societal resilience through the
lens of social metabolism, which sees natural resources as essential
“food” for the economy. As resource scarcity reduces economic
output and tax revenues, states increasingly rely on debt, risking
insolvency if resource-based growth falters. Biogenic resources are
often seen as a potential solution—especially in fuels, materials,
and biogenic energy—but these compete with food production and rely
on fragile agricultural systems already impacted by climate change,
erosion, and biodiversity loss. Although some bio-based materials show
promise (e.g., hemp in construction or algae fuels), their market
share is low but may grow. Moreover, rebound effects may lead to
overexploitation rather than sustainable substitution. The analysis
concludes that while bio-based resources offer partial relief, they
cannot replace systemic changes in consumption, land use, and economic
expectations. ctations.
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Social Metabolism, Resource Scarcity, Raw Material Substitution, Circular Economy
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9783112219058
Publisert
2025
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
De Gruyter
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter