The nature of nature: Why the promotion of plural values of nature could pose transition risks and influence nature‐related financial disclosure

Abstract Plural values of nature are gradually being acknowledged and promoted through international and domestic law. Value pluralism emphasises diversity and the recognition of difference, acknowledging intrinsic and relational values of nature alongside instrumental values. This article demonstrates how changes toward embracing plural values of nature in law, including under the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), could be important for burgeoning nature‐related financial disclosure regimes stimulated by the GBF and the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature‐related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). Specifically, how nature is valued is relevant to the consideration of nature‐related transition risks required as part of nature‐related financial disclosures. Regulatory, policy and legal changes to enshrine plural values of nature into international and domestic law have the potential to give rise to transition risks for organisations, which have acted in reliance on the mainstream and instrumentalist value of nature. Whilst there is momentum for change toward plural values of nature at the international law level, the soft law status of the GBF means that the extent of its normative influence is reflected through analysis and evaluation of hard law obligations and domestic legislation that are designed to give effect to it. This article suggests that, based on the experience of Australia, legal changes that promote plural values of nature are emerging. While Australia retains a highly instrumentalised value of nature, legal and policy changes aimed at implementing commitments under the GBF demonstrate a growing commitment to plural values of nature within the national context. Even though Australia continues to primarily value nature for its utility and provision of ecosystem services, efforts to embrace plural values rely on the acknowledgment and inclusion of First Nations culture, philosophy and worldviews. Further regulatory changes that advance plural values of nature could give rise to transition risks for organisations to consider when making nature‐related financial disclosures.