The system boundaries of sustainability

The energy systems of the Western industrialized nations have passed through different stages of development and fundamental energy crises over the course of their history (14th, 18th, and the end of the 20th century). These crises have contributed decisively to the transformation of the energy system and of European societies.The various historical energy systems, their system boundaries and the restrictions resulting from them have decisively influenced the opportunities for development in European societies. Based upon this knowledge, the question arises as to what energy system boundaries a future sustainability strategy will have to deal with. The different sustainability concepts (strong and weak sustainability) imply different system boundaries for an energy system aiming at sustainable development.Climate change, the design of the future energy system, and the finiteness of the fossil energy system are the restrictions for the future energy system. Hence, the boundaries of the sustainability system are determined by four dimensions based on the finiteness of the fossil energy system, the development of a post-fossil energy system, the problem of climate change, and the chosen sustainability paradigm. This sustainability approach could enable sustainable development opportunities for the present generation without affecting the welfare of future generations.