Articles by Helen Kopnina
Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 2025
Purpose-This study aims to examine the role and application of extinction accounting as a governa... more Purpose-This study aims to examine the role and application of extinction accounting as a governance tool to address biodiversity loss in the context of rapid urbanisation. Focusing on the motivations, strategies and institutional dynamics of government bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Hong Kong, an indepth analysis of the challenges and opportunities for urban biodiversity conservation within constrained metropolitan settings is presented. Design/methodology/approach-Using interpretive content analysis, the study evaluates the Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (HKBSAP) and annual reports from selected Hong Kong government agencies and NGOs (2016-2023). Context-specific processes, challenges and tensions in extinction accounting practices are identified, highlighting the way institutional dynamics and power disparities influence biodiversity conservation efforts. Findings-The research reveals significant divergence in extinction accounting approaches between government and NGO bodies: government entities prioritise quantifiable, urban planning-driven metrics, while NGOs emphasise ecocentric values and grassroots engagement. Although cross-sector collaboration has advanced certain conservation efforts, persistent power asymmetries and the predominance of anthropocentric motivations continue to constrain broader transformation. Drawing on these empirical insights, the study proposes pathways that integrate measurable approaches such as habitat-hectare metrics and open data portals, paired with participatory governance structures. These improvements can foster more inclusive, ecocentric and effective biodiversity governance in urban contexts. Research limitations/implications-This study expands both the theoretical and practical understanding of extinction accounting by situating it within metropolitan public-sector biodiversity governance. The analysis demonstrates how integrating evidence-based practices with adaptive and inclusive recommendations can guide the development of context-sensitive frameworks in diverse urban settings. Originality/value-The study addresses a significant gap in the biodiversity governance literature by positioning evidence-based research on extinction accounting within densely urbanised environments. The actionable recommendations provide scalable, evidence-based strategies that empower policymakers and practitioners to strengthen biodiversity stewardship in cities worldwide.
Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 2025
Purpose-This study aims to examine the role and application of extinction accounting as a governa... more Purpose-This study aims to examine the role and application of extinction accounting as a governance tool to address biodiversity loss in the context of rapid urbanisation. Focusing on the motivations, strategies and institutional dynamics of government bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Hong Kong, an indepth analysis of the challenges and opportunities for urban biodiversity conservation within constrained metropolitan settings is presented. Design/methodology/approach-Using interpretive content analysis, the study evaluates the Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (HKBSAP) and annual reports from selected Hong Kong government agencies and NGOs (2016-2023). Context-specific processes, challenges and tensions in extinction accounting practices are identified, highlighting the way institutional dynamics and power disparities influence biodiversity conservation efforts. Findings-The research reveals significant divergence in extinction accounting approaches between government and NGO bodies: government entities prioritise quantifiable, urban planning-driven metrics, while NGOs emphasise ecocentric values and grassroots engagement. Although cross-sector collaboration has advanced certain conservation efforts, persistent power asymmetries and the predominance of anthropocentric motivations continue to constrain broader transformation. Drawing on these empirical insights, the study proposes pathways that integrate measurable approaches such as habitat-hectare metrics and open data portals, paired with participatory governance structures. These improvements can foster more inclusive, ecocentric and effective biodiversity governance in urban contexts. Research limitations/implications-This study expands both the theoretical and practical understanding of extinction accounting by situating it within metropolitan public-sector biodiversity governance. The analysis demonstrates how integrating evidence-based practices with adaptive and inclusive recommendations can guide the development of context-sensitive frameworks in diverse urban settings. Originality/value-The study addresses a significant gap in the biodiversity governance literature by positioning evidence-based research on extinction accounting within densely urbanised environments. The actionable recommendations provide scalable, evidence-based strategies that empower policymakers and practitioners to strengthen biodiversity stewardship in cities worldwide.
Oxford Open Climate Change, 2025
Humanity is facing an important existential threat—irreversible climate change caused by human ac... more Humanity is facing an important existential threat—irreversible climate change caused by human activity. Until recently, most of the proposals to address climate change have downplayed or ignored the adverse impact of food systems, especially intensive animal agriculture. This is in spite of the fact that up to a third of global greenhouse gas production to date can be attributed to animal agriculture. Recent developments at COP28 have signaled that the tide is turning, however, and that food systems are becoming part of global discussions on climate change solutions. The pressing nature of irreversible climate change requires rethinking our food
systems. To solve the climate change crisis, we propose transitioning to a predominantly plant-based diet, and phasing out intensive
animal agriculture as diets shift, without increasing pastoral farming. We suggest that such transformations in global food systems
can be accomplished largely through education and large-scale public information campaigns, removal of subsidies, taxation to account for externalized costs of animal agriculture, improved labelling of products, and various investment/divestment drivers. Better
metrics and industry benchmarks involving food and agriculture-specific performance indicators that reflect food system sustainability will be important. Increased global awareness of these issues and a change in mindset (which will drive political will) also are needed. Our current trajectory is untenable, and we must begin to turn the ship now towards sustainable food systems and diets.
Visions for sustainability, 2024
The planet faces a global ecological crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and species exti... more The planet faces a global ecological crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and species extinction. Conventional management approaches are failing to address this crisis. There is an urgent need to adopt an ecology-centred (ecocentric) ethic to support business education. We interweave positive and critical perspectives to question the pervasive neoliberal logic dominating business education and practice. We argue that
British Educational Research Journal, 2024
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, launched during the United Nations Biodiversi... more The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, launched during the United Nations Biodiversity Conference in December 2022, encourages governments, companies and investors to publish data on their nature-related risks, dependencies and impacts. These disclosures are intended to drive businesses to recognise, manage and mitigate their reliance on ecosystem goods and services. However, there is a ‘biodiversity blind spot’ that is evident for most organisations and business schools. Business education rarely addresses the root causes of biodiversity loss, such as the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. As the dominant positioning of Education for Sustainable Development Goals (ESDG) presents biodiversity in anthropocentric instrumental terms inadequate for addressing ecosystem decline, we posit that a more progressive and transformative ecocentric education through ecopedagogy and ecoliteracy is needed. Both approaches include the development of critical thinking about degrowth, the circular economy and conventional stakeholder theory to include non-human stakeholders. Using comparative case studies from Northumbria University, the University of Hong Kong and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, we illustrate how business education can be transformed to address biodiversity loss, providing theoretical guidance and practical recommendations to academic practitioners and future business leaders.
Societal Impacts, 2024
The study, “The Inclusion of Biodiversity into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framew... more The study, “The Inclusion of Biodiversity into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework: A Strategic Integration of Ecocentric Perspectives ,” has a significant societal impact that aligns with the agenda of this journal. It pioneers the strategic integration of biodiversity considerations within Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks. By spotlighting the often-neglected intrinsic value of biodiversity and ecosystems, the authors contribute to sustainable societal development, addressing a crucial gap in customary ESG metrics. Their advocacy for incorporating extinction accounting and an ecocentric approach has the potential to engender societal impacts, such as biodiversity loss mitigation and promotion of nature-positive practices.
Biological Conservation, 2024
We highlight the need for ecological justice and ecological ethics to go hand in hand with social... more We highlight the need for ecological justice and ecological ethics to go hand in hand with social justice in conservation science. We focus on the importance of ecocentric (non-anthropocentric) worldviews for advancing both social and ecological justice. While acknowledging the need to "decolonize" conservation, we question whether conservation a whole may be justifiably termed "colonial"; noting that colonialism in the name of profit and political power has long been a main driver of both human rights abuses and biodiversity loss. Moreover, modern conservation science explicitly strives for social justice and equity while protecting biological diversity and thus ought not to be conflated with colonialism's long and unjust history. We suggest that efforts to portray modern conservation science as patriarchal, racist, and colonial are shortsighted, disregarding longstanding efforts by conservationists to reconcile social and ecological values. Such critiques may adopt a patronizing approach to Indigenous and local peoples, portraying them as idealized guardians. Such views may obscure the complex socioeconomic conditions that leave indigenous and local communities vulnerable to resource exploitation; these factors must be understood if these groups are to fulfil their vital role as conservation allies. We conclude that the conservation community should shift focus toward targeting the main political actors and economic structures that oppress both humans and non-humans alike. A more nuanced appreciation of the shared history of colonialism and conservation may illuminate how social and ecological values converge in the mission of sustaining the ecological life support system on which every human and non-human being depends.
Australian Journal of Environmental Education, 2024
This article surveys critical scholarship that links the literature on sustainable business educa... more This article surveys critical scholarship that links the literature on sustainable business education and education for sustainable development goals (ESDG). It is assumed that ESDG is desirable in the business curriculum. However, it is argued here that ESDG erroneously fosters the illusion of successfully combining economic growth, social justice, and environmental protection, foregrounding "sustained and inclusive economic growth", which is often dependent on the increased consumption of natural resources. ESDG rarely addresses industrial expansion that jeopardizes the opportunity for the resolution of environmental crises, ignoring the intrinsic value of nonhuman species and ecosystems and masking the root causes of unsustainability. ESDG places heavy emphasis on economic and social aspects of sustainability, at the cost of the environment. By contrast, some earlier forms of environmental education recognize the limits to growth and emphasize environmental integrity as a foundation for both social and economic activity. This article emphasizes the need to re-orientate ESDG towards genuine sustainability of ecopedagogy in the context of business education, emphasizing transformative business models based on degrowth, circular economy, and steady-state economy. It is argued that a more explicit pedagogical reorientation towards the recognition of planetary boundaries, as well as toward a less anthropocentric focus is needed.
Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics , 2024
At its inception, geoethics was envisioned as a type of professional ethics concerned with the mo... more At its inception, geoethics was envisioned as a type of professional ethics concerned with the moral implications of geoscientific research, applications, and practices. More recently, however, some scholars have proposed versions of geoethics as public and global ethics. To better understand these developments, this article considers the relationship between geoethics and environmental ethics by exploring different aspects of the human-nature relation (i.e., the moral status and role of humans in relation to the non-human world). We start by noting that the main strains of geoethical thought elaborated so far represent examples of environmental virtue ethics and defend moral weak anthropocentric positions (e.g., "ethical", "responsible" or "enlightened" anthropocentrism). Some scholars propose that such weak anthropocentric geoethics can synthesize the different positions in environmental ethics and move beyond them toward a novel and distinct approach. We compare the meaning and the use of the term "anthropocentrism" in both environmental ethics and geoethics, stressing that although geoethics is inevitably epistemically anthropocentric (i.e., anthropogenic), it does not need to be morally anthropocentric. We consider the compatibility of non-anthropocentric stances with current geoethical theory and argue for the integration of normative non-anthropocentric accounts (e.g., ecocentric) into geoethical debates and geoscience education.
Journal of Environmental Management, 2024
Traditional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics have primarily focused on promoti... more Traditional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics have primarily focused on promoting sustainable finance, positive screening, and sustainability reporting. However, recent research highlights the urgency for greater accountability and action to counter species extinction. This article explores the potential of ESG frameworks in guiding corporate and managerial decision-making to address biodiversity loss. As the current ESG indicators exhibit an anthropocentric bias, limiting their effectiveness for protecting biodiversity, this article aims to strategically integrate pragmatic extinction accounting with an ecocentric (deep ecology) perspective. This perspective addresses the root causes of biodiversity loss and offers support to species that are perceived as economically, socially, or culturally unimportant. We present our findings as a call to all stakeholders—business and policy decision-makers, conservationists, and environmental organisations—to formulate robust, inclusive, and ecologically sensitive strategies incorporating deep ecological perspectives. The findings of this study include recommendations for the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Visions for Sustainability, 2022
The Leaders’ Pledge for Nature highlights the fact that since ecosystems underpin human well-bein... more The Leaders’ Pledge for Nature highlights the fact that since ecosystems underpin human well-being, we need to “recognize that the business case for biodiversity is compelling”. In this article, we argue that, in all areas of water management, there is an urgent need for a paradigmatic and practical shift to species-inclusive and sustainable water policies and practices.
Ethics, Policy & Environment , 2022
Currently, there is no non-anthropocentric guide to the practice of nature conservation and the t... more Currently, there is no non-anthropocentric guide to the practice of nature conservation and the treatment of invasive species and domestic animals. In examining the so-called ‘ecocentric’ and ‘animal’ ethics, we highlight some differences between them, and argue that the basic aspiration for support of all nonhuman life needs to be retained. We maintain that hierarchies of value need to be flexible, establishing basic principles and then weighing up the options in the context of anthropocentrism, industrial development and human population growth. Acknowledging the role of these conditions creates space for combining individual-based and collective-based ethics in practice.
Conservation, 2022
Many authors have noted the role that anthropocentrism has played in creating humanity’s dysfunct... more Many authors have noted the role that anthropocentrism has played in creating humanity’s dysfunctional relationship with the natural world. As human hubris (excessive pride or self-confidence) is an ailment that contributes to the anthropogenic sixth mass extinction of Earth’s biodiversity, we argue instead for ‘harmony with nature’. In recent decades, even the conservation discourse has become increasingly anthropocentric. Indeed, justification for nature conservation has in part shifted from nature’s intrinsic value to ‘ecosystem services’ for the benefit of people. Here we call for a transformation to a more harmonious human-nature relationship that is grounded in mutual respect and principled responsibility, instead of utilitarianism and enlightened self-interest. Far from what Tennyson called ‘red in tooth and claw’, we argue nature is a mixture of cooperation as well as competition. We argue that the UN’s ‘Harmony with Nature’ program is an innovative and refreshing path for change. If we are to achieve harmony with nature, modern industrial society will need to abandon its anthropocentric ‘human supremacy’ mindset and adopt an ecocentric worldview and ecological ethics. We conclude it is thus both appropriate (and essential) for conservationists to champion harmony with nature.
Journal of Scientific Papers ECONOMICS & SOCIOLOGY, 2022
The main objective of this study is to characterize socially responsible consumption (SRC) throug... more The main objective of this study is to characterize socially responsible consumption (SRC) through the lens of social welfare and degrowth proposals. The central research questions are (i) whether SRC can contribute to the realization of the foundations of a degrowth society and (ii) whether SRC fits into the critique of the economic growth paradigm. These are essential questions because SRC is often treated as an “invention” of affluent societies that seek more sophisticated methods of consumption (such as conspicuous, green, and ethical consumption) due to the prevailing cultural system. We challenge this viewpoint by drawing on studies from the intersection of social and environmental sciences. For this purpose, Talcott Parsons’ extended AGIL paradigm is introduced, referred to as AGIL+DE, as is our proposal of nature-based social welfare. Although this study is preliminary, its task is to develop new interpretative possibilities for the sociology of degrowth and innovative approaches to consumption in particular. The results suggest a change of approach in the study of the consumption phenomenon from the side of redefined social welfare, with a focus on moderate (SRC) and more radical (degrowth) solutions respecting the environmental impact. This change of approach to consumption requires rethinking and incorporating new empirical indicators.
Biological Conservation, 2022
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has ... more The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has become influential in biodiversity conservation. Its research is published widely and has been adopted by the United Nations and the Convention for Biological Diversity. This platform includes discussion about how values relate to biodiversity conservation. The IPBES emphasizes "relational values", connecting these with living a "good life," and "nature's contributions to people" (NCP); building upon ecosystem services (ES), which have dominated nature valuation for 15+ years. Although the IPBES acknowledges instrumental and intrinsic natural values, they purport that by adopting relational values, conservation will become more socially-and culturally-inclusive, moving beyond the "unhelpful dichotomy" between instrumental and intrinsic values. We wholeheartedly agree that conservation should become more inclusiveit should, in fact, morally include nonhuman nature. We argue that far from being half of an unhelpful dichotomy, intrinsic natural values are incontrovertible elements of any honest effort to sustain Earth's biodiversity. We find NCP to be mainly anthropocentric, and relational values to be largely instrumental. The "good life" they support is a good life for humans, and not for nonhuman beings or collectives. While passingly acknowledging intrinsic natural values, the current IPBES platform gives little attention to these, and to corresponding ecocentric worldviews. In this paper we demonstrate the important practical implications of operationalizing intrinsic values for conservation, such as ecological justice, i.e., "peoples' obligations to nature". We urge the IPBES platform, in their future values work, to become much more inclusive of intrinsic values and ecocentrism.
Visions for Sustainability, 2022
Invasion biology is increasingly facing criticism, including for its moral attitudes towards “inv... more Invasion biology is increasingly facing criticism, including for its moral attitudes towards “invasive alien species.” In this paper, we argue that invasion biology relies upon ethical assumptions of human supremacy that are reflected in and reinforced by language used to categorize introduced animals in morally problematic ways. We discuss how denigratory scientific, of-ficial, and widely used terms such as “invasive,” “alien,” “pest,” and “feral” interact with the dubious treatment of animals, and we examine several aspects of how the demonizing meaning of these terms are shaped. The shaping factors we focus on are the differential treatment of “invasives” versus humans and other ecologically damaging animals, namely animals in agriculture, and the stock and performative treatment of animals labelled “invasive aliens.” We propose that such language should be essentially removed from biological and conservation sciences and consigned to history’s dustbin. In-deed, invasion biologists should come together to find a new name for their discipline—or rather, for the discipline “invasion biology” might become when it jettisons its assumptions of human supremacy.
Australian Journal of Environmental Education, 2021
This article discusses closed-loop systems, namely Cradle to Cradle and circular economy, in the ... more This article discusses closed-loop systems, namely Cradle to Cradle and circular economy, in the context of sustainable education. These circular models, at least ideally, promise absolute decoupling of resource consumption from the economy. This article presents student assignments applying these models to Hennes & Mauritz, a clothing retail company, and insect food producer, Protix. While the discussion of circular economy revolves around the economic benefits of closed-loop systems, it rarely addresses posthumanism. Posthumanism is related to postqualitative theory, inspired by Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari. Deleuze and Guattari emphasize that nature has become intertwined with technology and culture. In the cases discussed, combining both techno-and organic materials produces 'monstrous hybrids'. It appears that fully circular solutions are rare as absolute decoupling is limited by thermodynamic (im)possibilities. This realization still has to be developed in environmental education. Within this posthumanist inquiry, the larger lesson from the case studies is the necessity of teaching about degrowth in production, consumption and corporate strategy. In pedagogical terms, this article aims to generate a more critical discussion within the environmental education community about how postqualitative inquiry can provide different and distinct perspectives from qualitative inquiry in the context of the circular economy.
Conservation, 2021
Anthropocentrism in Western (modern industrial) society is dominant, goes back hundreds of years,... more Anthropocentrism in Western (modern industrial) society is dominant, goes back hundreds of years, and can rightly be called ‘hubris’. It removes almost all moral standing from the nonhuman world, seeing it purely as a resource. Here, we discuss the troubling components of anthropocentrism: worldview and ethics; dualisms, valuation and values; a psychology of fear and denial; and the idea of philosophical ‘ownership’. We also question whether it is a truly practical (or ethical) approach. We then discuss three troubling examples of anthropocentrism in conservation: ‘new’ conservation;
ecosystem services; and the IPBES values assessment. We conclude that anthropocentrism is fuelling the environmental crisis and accelerating extinction, and urge academia to speak out instead
for ecocentrism
Visions for sustainability, 2021
This article examines the practical implications of ecological democracy or ecodemocracy, inquiri... more This article examines the practical implications of ecological democracy or ecodemocracy, inquiring how capable democratic societies are of addressing environmental challenges. It asks: What is needed to secure democratic legitimacy for policy measures to benefit nonhuman species? What would ecodemocracy look like in practice? Different types of existing and possible types of representation are discussed, including the expansion of the precautionary principle, the Council of All Beings or Parliament of Things, and representation through the Parties for Animals. A possible approach in the form of a mandate for proxy ecorepresentation similar to civil rights through continuous affirmative action is investigated. Limitations and possibilities of each approach for nature representation are weighed.
Society & Animals, 2021
This article focuses on the intersection of indigenous peoples, conservation, and elephant well-b... more This article focuses on the intersection of indigenous peoples, conservation, and elephant well-being in Cambodia. While social justice advocates emphasize the human cost of conservation in human-animal conflicts, those concerned with animal protection and rights have problematized the treatment of elephants. This critique stems from evidence that the human relationship to elephants, captive and wild, remains largely utilitarian or exploitive. In Cambodia, there is a record of wild Asian elephants co-existing with local communities, but more so long history of elephants used for labor. This article discusses the possible areas of reconciliation between human and Asian elephant interests, in light of the Mondulkiri elephant sanctuary in Cambodia, suggesting potential paths toward win-win scenarios for the local and indigenous people, as well as for the elephants and their habitats.
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Articles by Helen Kopnina
systems. To solve the climate change crisis, we propose transitioning to a predominantly plant-based diet, and phasing out intensive
animal agriculture as diets shift, without increasing pastoral farming. We suggest that such transformations in global food systems
can be accomplished largely through education and large-scale public information campaigns, removal of subsidies, taxation to account for externalized costs of animal agriculture, improved labelling of products, and various investment/divestment drivers. Better
metrics and industry benchmarks involving food and agriculture-specific performance indicators that reflect food system sustainability will be important. Increased global awareness of these issues and a change in mindset (which will drive political will) also are needed. Our current trajectory is untenable, and we must begin to turn the ship now towards sustainable food systems and diets.
ecosystem services; and the IPBES values assessment. We conclude that anthropocentrism is fuelling the environmental crisis and accelerating extinction, and urge academia to speak out instead
for ecocentrism