technical and social contexts of that system, and the relationships between them.\
**There is** a perception that sustainability is a distinct discipline of research and practice with a few defined connections to software.\
**Whereas** sustainability is a pervasive concern that translates into discipline-specific questions in each area it applies.\
**There is** a perception that sustainability is a problem that can be solved, and that our aim is to find the ‘one thing‘ that will save the world.\
**Whereas** it is a ‘wicked problem‘ - a dilemma to respond to intelligently and learn in the process of doing so; a challenge to be addressed, not a problem to be solved.\
**There is** a perception that there is a tradeoff to be made between present needs and future needs, reinforced by a common definition of sustainable development, and hence that sustainability requires sacrifices in the present for the sake of future generations.\
**Whereas** it is possible to prosper on this planet while simultaneously improving the prospects for prosperity of future generations.\
**There is** a tendency to focus on the immediate impacts of any new technology, in terms of its functionality and how it is used.\
**Whereas** the following orders of effects have to be distinguished: *Direct, first order effects* are the immediate opportunities and effects created by the physical existence of software technology and the processes involved in its design and production. *Indirect, second order effects* are the opportunities and effects arising from the application and usage of software. *Systemic, third order effects*, finally, are the effects and opportunities that are caused by wide-scale use of software systems over time.\
**There is** a tendency to overly discount the future. The far future is discounted so much that it is considered for free (or worthless). Discount rates mean that long-term impacts matter far less than current costs and benefits.\
**Whereas** the consequences of our actions play out over multiple timescales, a