Mira Lieberman

Accounting for extinction: how can the implementation of accounting for extinction framework help change corporate behaviour to protect biodiversity?

The project

Her interdisciplinary research, supervised by Prof. Jill Atkins and Dr. Robert McKay, addresses mass extinction. The project explores the implementation of the extinction accounting framework in the agrochemical industry. Following the debate on neonicotinoid insecticides' effect on pollinators, the project extends the concern to other species that may be adversely affected.

The European hedgehog has declined in the last decade by nearly two thirds, with British hedgehogs found to be increasingly absent from arable land due to the intensification of agricultural practices. Loss of hedges and copses coupled with an increased use of biocides reduce prey availability. Hedgehogs are insectivores, feeding on earthworms, beetles, slugs and other invertebrates making them a bio indicator species of soil health and a natural pest control species.

The potential broader impact of biocides on biodiversity beyond pollinators may be a material issue for companies in the crop protection industry. The project analyses integrated reports of multinational agrochemical companies through an ecolinguistic framework. Ecolinguistics explores the role language has in shaping humans’ relationship with the natural world and how the communication practices of companies can contribute to creating a better future. The discourse used to address key ecological crises may shape the way in which we view the solutions, not only to our own survival but to all living beings on Earth.

Outreach and impact

Grantham Scholar POSTnote on financial risks of nature loss. Grantham Scholar Mira Lieberman and her supervisor Prof Jill Atkins contribute to a POSTnote on financial risks and nature loss. Jill also spoke at the launch event for the POSTnote.

Publications

Lieberman, M. (2022) Cultural and religious aspects of extinction governance in the Middle East: Accounting for Camels in Atkins and Macpherson (eds.) Extinction Governance: Implementing a Species Protection Action Plan for the Financial Markets.

Lieberman, M. (2022) Research methods: the role of ecolinguistic analysis in species protection - A toolkit for practitioners and academics in Atkins and Macpherson (eds.) Extinction Governance: Implementing a Species Protection Action Plan for the Financial Markets.