This essay seeks to specify the theoretical choices and assumptions involved in studying sociometabolic transitions, such as sustainability transitions, in a way that distinguishes them from mere “changes”. These generalizations draw on experiences with the empirical analysis of historical transitions on various scale levels. This perspective is illustrated by using material and energy flow data to demonstrate global sociometabolic regime transitions during the 20th century.

中文翻译：

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分析可持续发展转变是社会代谢制度之间的转变。

本文试图通过研究将社会代谢转变（如可持续发展转变）与单纯的“变化”区分开来，来指定理论选择和假设。这些概括借鉴了对不同规模的历史变迁进行实证分析的经验。通过使用物质和能量流数据来说明20世纪全球社会代谢政权转型，可以说明这一观点。