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From Diversity to Confusion? The Challenge of Biodiversity Footprint Quantification

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  • Raphaela Roeder
  • Sebastian Utz

Abstract

This study documents a significant disagreement between the biodiversity footprints of three major providers. This disagreement mainly stems from fundamental disagreement on the underlying methods and data (measurement), while providers agree to a large part on which firm operations contribute to a loss in biodiversity and how they are aggregated (scope and weight). The disagreement is especially high for large firms with a high biodiversity footprint and firms from the industries of Energy, Consumer Staples, and Basic Materials. A transparent and detailed ESG disclosure can decrease the disagreement. The results highlight the importance of being careful when integrating biodiversity footprint into financial decision‐making, regulations, and academic research. The results also underline the need for further standardized and transparent biodiversity disclosure on firm level.

Suggested Citation

  • Raphaela Roeder & Sebastian Utz, 2025. "From Diversity to Confusion? The Challenge of Biodiversity Footprint Quantification," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(5), pages 5887-5900, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:34:y:2025:i:5:p:5887-5900
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.4215
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Nam Thanh Vu & Duc Hong Vo, 2026. "When Nature Hits the Bottom Line: Transition Biodiversity Risk and Corporate Creditworthiness," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(2), pages 2728-2754, February.
    2. Weiwei Fu & Junyi Feng & Giray Gozgor, 2025. "The Impact of Biodiversity Risk on Supply Chain Strategy: Evidence From the Chinese MNEs," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(8), pages 9637-9651, December.

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