Selecting "system boundaries" for an environmental assessment is challenging because of which of the following reasons?

Selecting "system boundaries" for an environmental assessment is indeed a complex and multifaceted challenge, and the notion that "all of the above" accurately captures the reasons behind this complexity is well-founded.

Defining system boundaries is not a straightforward task, primarily because there is often no universally accepted or "right" way to delineate these boundaries. Different stakeholders may have varying interpretations of what should be included or excluded based on their unique perspectives and objectives. This subjectivity means that the definition of boundaries can vary significantly, resulting in different assessments that may yield divergent conclusions depending on how they are drawn.

Moreover, the selection of boundaries is often influenced by the intended use of the assessment results. For example, if the results are meant to inform regulatory decisions, the boundaries might be set to encompass specific environmental impacts relevant to regulations, whereas if the focus is on sustainability assessment for a company, the boundaries might prioritize certain supply chain aspects. This adaptability underscores the context-dependency of boundary selection.

Finally, the artistic element of establishing system boundaries refers to the nuanced judgment required, which goes beyond rigid application of predefined rules. Various factors, such as stakeholder input, environmental significance, and practical constraints, all play into the boundary-setting process, making it a subjective and iterative exercise