Interview series – Discover the GoGreen Next project
Dr Tadhg MacIntyre, GoGreen Next Coordinator
Environmental Psychologist, Maynooth University
Can you introduce the project and its progression over the past 18 months?
Early research has focused on policy analysis and an evaluation of the key indicators that we will apply in our investigations of the complex interplay between climate change, and environmental and human health.
Our researchers have conducted research visits to our four pilot site areas including Cork city (IE), Klagenfurt (AT), the region of Paijat-Hame (FI) and on the island of Malta. This scoping exercise facilitated a community-led approach to the identification of sites for the implementation of nature-based solutions and interventions. Walking interviews with quintuple helix stakeholders ranging from city partners to NGO’s and local enterprises enabled the voice of diverse groups to be amplified. One unique initiative is the recruitment of project champions who will act as ambassadors for the project, and be engaged in the co-creation of our tools and inspire others to follow their example. Instead of implementing a template for all the pilot sites, we work locally to localize the initiative and meet the needs of citizens. Participants in the program will be trained in science communication skills, citizen science methods and conservation activities.
What do you think the Cluster can bring to your project?
GoGreen Next focuses on diversity and transdisciplinary activities in our urban health project. We are concerned with advancing change across communities with an emphasis on reaching those unseen and unheard voices in cities. We purposefully have created an internal learning ecosystem, the GoGreen Next academy, within the project to advance training opportunities on inclusive methodologies for our researchers, innovators and city and regional partners. This drive for inclusion is reflected in the diversity of our consortium with Women leaders comprising 63% of the team. All our pilot sites have Women leads which is fitting given that we are funded by HADEA an organisation led by Marina Zanchi. Early career researchers are given key responsibilities in our activities because they are the voice of the future and may also engender greater empathy and understanding when engaged in collaborative activities with citizens and key actors in the urban realm.
How do you see the cluster’s work supporting EU policy actions?
Next year sees Ireland’s 8th EU Presidency come to the fore and represents the clearest example of where the cluster can influence policy at the EU and global level. A planetary health cluster meeting is planned to be co-located with the WHO Summit of Mayors in October, 2026. Interactions between One Health and Planetary Health approaches will be explored in workshops with a focus on topics including air pollution, open science, and opportunities for urban health from climate mitigation actions.
Bridging the scientist-policymaker gap is central to the ambitions of the cluster. Forging relationships with MEP’s, intergroups in the EU Parliament, and the Urban Health Cluster are critical to ensuring the translation of our findings into policy impact.
Learn more about GoGreen Next: https://gogreennext.eu
