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Failure to consider environmental risk: The case for biodiversity impact disclosure in the electricity sector

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  • Talbot, David
  • Barbat, Guillaume
  • Boiral, Olivier
  • Ordonez-Ponce, Eduardo

Abstract

The activities of electric utilities have a significant impact on biodiversity loss. This study examines the disclosure practices and strategies of electric utilities in Canada (N = 95). Content analysis of sustainability reports and corporate websites reveals a significant gap between the risks of biodiversity loss and the companies' commitments in this area. This study groups disclosure practices to identify three overall strategies (wait-and-see, symbolic adoption, and consequential commitment). These results contribute to the literature on biodiversity disclosure, with significant managerial and policy implications, particularly for implementing mandatory disclosure standards to ensure greater consistency in the presentation of corporate performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Talbot, David & Barbat, Guillaume & Boiral, Olivier & Ordonez-Ponce, Eduardo, 2023. "Failure to consider environmental risk: The case for biodiversity impact disclosure in the electricity sector," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:85:y:2023:i:c:s0957178723001844
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2023.101672
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    References listed on IDEAS

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