Structure, function, and dynamic mechanisms of coupled human–natural systems

Abstract:

Many integrated interdisciplinary studies have been conducted to coupling human and natural systems, in which concepts such as human–natural systems, human–environment systems, and socio-ecological systems are prevalent. In recent decades, significant progress has been made toward establishing a framework to communicate knowledge and disciplines, but the theoretical origin, purpose, and conceptualization ways varies significantly. Coupled human and natural systems (CHANS) exhibit many emergent properties. Their unique properties do not belong separately to human or natural systems, but emerge from the interactions between them, and have their own structure, function, and dynamic mechanisms. In this study, we reviewed the progress made in CHANS research and developed a general framework to better understand them. The coupled human–environment system has a nested hierarchy structural characteristics, natural support, economic metabolism, social regulation and complementary relationships among these three subsystems constitute the coupled social–economic–natural complex ecosystem. The dynamic mechanism of the coupled system originates from both natural and social forces. Human–natural fit including boundary fit, structural fit, and dynamic fit. Matching the anthropological and ecological scales can increase the likelihood of sustainable operation of the coupled system.