How do substitutability and effort asymmetry change resource management in coupled natural-human systems?

Abstract

Humans require multiple natural resources for their wellbeing and assign different portions of their efforts to secure resources due to their limited time and energy. When one resource is scarce, it may be replaced with a substitute which may fully or partially cover the shortage. However, existing research of coupled natural-human systems (CNHS) usually focuses on a single resource and misses these aspects. To fill the gaps, we question: how would substitutability and effort asymmetry influence system responses, resource management, and sustainability? Building on an existing conceptual framework, we developed a CNHS model with two resources and infrastructures in a centralized governance structure. Model analysis showed that substitutability and effort asymmetry significantly influence policy flexibility, performance, and sustainability of the coupled system, thereby highlighting challenges and offering insights in governing systems with multiple resources.