Why is it challenging to define system boundaries in environmental assessments?

Defining system boundaries in environmental assessments can be particularly challenging because the definitions can vary widely based on the context of the assessment. Different stakeholders may have their interpretations of what constitutes a system, influenced by their specific interests, perspectives, and expertise. For instance, an environmental scientist might emphasize ecological interactions, while an economic analyst might focus on resource use and economic impacts. These varying definitions can lead to disagreements on what should be included within the system as well as what interactions should be considered.

Additionally, environmental issues often extend across multiple disciplines and scales, further complicating the establishment of clear and universally accepted boundaries. This complexity may result in critical components being overlooked or misrepresented if the system is defined too narrowly or broadly. Therefore, a nuanced understanding and recognition of these discrepancies are essential for accurately assessing environmental impacts and ensuring comprehensive evaluations.