MATERIAL AND ENERGY METABOLISM AND PROSPECTS OF CO-EVOLUTION OF COMPLEX TERRITORIAL SYSTEMS
The article considers theoretical and practical aspects of the integral study of geographical phenomena in the framework of the system theory of complexity. The concept ‘territorial system’, its structures, processes, properties, and evolution are analyzed. By the example of the material and energy metabolism of the territory, natural and social relations are characterized in a historical and chorological perspective. Their modern unstable and destructive mode is shown. Nonlinear relations between subsystems of territories, mechanisms of their adaptation to changing conditions and their self-organization are demonstrated. The necessity of the transformation of territorial systems on the principles of co-evolution of subsystems for the purposes of sustainable development is substantiated.