Sustainable Development and the Anthroposystem (Santos)

1. Sustainable Development and the Anthroposystem (Santos) • Sustainability: Fulfill needs of “today” without sacrificing “tomorrow” • Traditional idea described in terms of economic development • Requires: transformation of industrial society, i.e. self-sustaining • Anthroposystem: artificial Human System, within context of ecosystem • Composed of Matrix, Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers; used by human society • Separate from ecosystem, but eco- and anthro- have symbiotic relationship • Closed system when resources are recycled, Open when materials leave as waste • Non-ideal system: energy is lost (unused) through every process – Open energy system • Industrial Ecology:compares production process with basic natural systems • Excess material reused in cycle: ideally a closed loop • Looks for loses through entire process, not limited to obvious steps • Study: does not distinguish between human system and environment (interactive unit) • Prevents seperation of economic and ecological systems- ties industry to environment • Education: contraints of environment, framework for management in industry • Improve human – environment relationship, not just environment (air, water quality, etc.) ME 449 - Sam Veague - HW3

2. Ecosystem and the Biosphere (Husar) • Sustainable Development: dependent on human activity interrupting natural processes • Human material flow more disruptive and stressful than natural material flow • Required: Models of human-induced flow i.e. (explanatory, not predictive) • Industrial Metabolism: industrial “organisms” consume material, energy, leave waste • Ecosystem: Producers, Consumers, Decomposers, total system is self-sufficient • Anthropo-model:P = Energy production, C = humans, D = waste treatment and recycling x “D” model inefficient, = open, non-self-sufficient system x Ecosystem spatially contained: physical proximity ensures efficient energy useage • Anthroposystem spatially scattered, multiple P, C, and D components, inefficient distribution • Flow Matrix is key – models distribution of energy, materials, and pollutants • Spheres: atmo-, hydro-, litho-, bio-; two-way linkage between all spheres • Materials exchanged within and between all spheres, in any direction. *conservation of mass • Human function in (and like) biosphere – large redistribution of matter • Anthroposystem not naturally able to recycle – must rely on biota • Human-induced material carried by atmo- and bio-, bear environmental damage. • Combination of Sphere model and Antropo – (eco) model encompasses complete flow analysis, suitable for economic analysis. ME 449 - Sam Veague - HW3

3. Husar: Santos: Comparison • Sustainability – Articles agree that a definition that extends beyond economic development is required. • Santos emphasizes that environmental systems should be tied into economic decisions • Husar identifies human-induced material flow, (i.e. industry, spheres) • Anthroposystem – both define in terms of Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers, and emphasize a interconnecting Matrix: • Santos describes this as an “open” energy system, with a recycling as a closed energy system component within larger system • Husar focuses on flow of materials, resources, and pollutants through the system • Husar adds sphere model, combined with anthroposystem model is more complete • Santos aims to model industrial process as ecological system – purpose is to find loss throughout system, improve human/environment interactions ME 449 - Sam Veague - HW3