Three, Sixty: With Christina McCann

This is an extract from Issue 73 of SDG Alpha, my newsletter that casts an Irish lens on the world of Impact Investment, Innovation, and Sustainability. In these regular features, I pose three questions on the theme of sustainability to an impact entrepreneur or innovator, to get a better understanding in sixty seconds of how they’re working to achieve the SDG targets.

For this issue, I spoke with Christina McCann , the founder of Green Fridays , an Irish social enterprise delivering a more accessible approach to learning about positive steps to dealing with climate and biodiversity challenges.

On a personal level what impacts of the climate /biodiversity crisis are you most concerned about?

On a personal level, the impacts of the climate and biodiversity crisis that concern me most, are the loss of nature – its variety and abundance. Wildlife has declined hugely, with a recent WWF (world wildlife fund) report finding an average decline in wildlife populations of an incredible 69%, over the past 50 years. Even in Ireland, one third of wild bees are under threat of extinction, with many bird species threatened too. Think back to the last time you heard a corncrake, or cuckoo (if ever), or when you last saw a native red squirrel, or Irish hare.

However, it is too easy to get lost in a negative narrative. There is positive progress to be seen, with rewilding, biodiversity and forestry projects springing to life. It was heartening to see the Nature Restoration Law passed at European level in recent months. Interest in nature-friendly practices, such as regenerative farming, is growing; this approach offers carbon capture potential as well as biodiversity benefits. New companies are carving exciting paths - take for example SIF (sif.earth), a US public benefit company, using sensors to measure soil health and carbon.

Nature will bounce back - if given the space and opportunity to do so, as evidenced with the ‘rewilding’ taking place at Wildacres Nature Reserve and Dunsany Estate in Ireland, and Knepp Estate in the UK. There are numerous ways we can help bring nature back, be it in Ireland’s two million gardens, local communities, company lands, school grounds or sports pitches.

Which of the UN SDG’s did you start Greenfridays.org to address?

Greenfridays.org was started with the idea of make learning about climate, biodiversity, and environmental issues more accessible, and frankly, less depressing. When we started most of the information relating to climate change was embedded with serious jargon (IPCC’s, COP’s and emissions) and it was difficult to know where to start or how to make a real difference. Our mission is to simplify these critical topics, and demonstrate that individuals, and collective action, can make a significant difference. There are many ways to have impact as an individual, whether it be by voting for candidates who support climate and the environment, supporting green finance, eating a more plant-based diet, or taking seemingly smaller actions such as ‘no mow May’, and creating ponds for wildlife. Working collectively, and with companies, even more is achievable.

Our approach is to take some of the most pressing environmental problems and search for doable actions and approachable solutions that will have the maximum positive environmental effect.

We align with several UN sustainable Goals (SDG’s) in particular:

• Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 13: Climate Action
• Goal 14: Life Below Water
• Goal 15: Life on Land

How does your business model enable the transition to a low carbon, or more sustainable future?

We have four major areas of focus:

1. Wildlife-Friendly Planting in Schools: we focus on creating wildlife green spaces in schools, providing children with access to greener environments and seeking to actively involving them in planting activities.
2. Multimedia Educational Platform:? Our educational outreach extends across a variety of digital channels, including our website (greenfridays.org), newsletter communications, LinkedIn and Instagram. We are dedicated to building awareness about climate change, biodiversity, and other pressing environmental challenges, such as ocean pollution, the impacts of the fashion industry and food systems. We provide well-researched information and offer insights on high impact solutions and exciting innovations.?
3. Spotlights and Interviews: We regularly interview people involved in the transition to a low carbon, sustainable future and spotlight companies and organisations making a positive impact. For instance, in May, we interviewed David McRedmond , CEO of An Post about the company’s sustainability initiatives and ambitions; and in June we shared biodiversity advice from Wildacres Nature Reserve. These segments show real-life examples of individuals and organisations actively contributing to a better future.
4. Policy Advocacy: We participate in policy advocacy to influence environmental legislation at both local and national levels. This includes signing petitions and encouraging our followers and subscribers to join us in these efforts. Additionally, we advocate for stricter environmental regulations and the implementation of sustainable urban planning initiatives.