Climate action is a team sport

The not-for-profit sector, where collaboration is common, offers an important blueprint for the business sector to imagine a world where success isn't about outrunning others, but rather about joining forces and rising together. This approach is the key to unlocking unprecedented innovation and impact.

In this piece, Cogo’s Josh Dry and My Native Forest’s Mitchell McLaughlin delve into how collaboration, especially in the realm of planet-friendly innovation, can propel us all forward.

Shared values: it's easy when you all want the same thing

“The most successful partnerships are rooted in shared values. When all parties have a common goal, collaboration feels a lot more seamless,” believes Josh.

A recent example of this approach is a collaboration between Cogo, Terra Nova Foundation and My Native Forest on a trailblazing ‘Earth positive’ (Earth+) programme aimed at strengthening resilience and environmental impact for not-for-profit organisations throughout the Canterbury and Nelson/Tasman areas. The free programme, generously supported by Rātā Foundation, was designed to support the Foundation’s community partners with the know-how and tools to start their climate journey, including guidance on simply and effectively measuring and reducing their organisation’s emissions and building resilience. 

“Each of these partners is driven by a commitment to environmental sustainability and community resilience. This alignment in vision ensures that every decision and action taken was in service of a greater good, making for a unified, strong partnership in which we were all travelling in the same direction,” adds Josh. 

Complementary skills: the sum is greater than the parts

“Great partnerships are also built on complementary skills. When each partner brings something unique and valuable to the table, the collaboration becomes more than the sum of its parts,” believes Josh.  

Cogo’s expertise in carbon footprint tracking, the Terra Nova Foundation’s programme delivery skills, and My Native Forest’s on the ground, practical knowledge to reduce and mitigate carbon create a powerful synergy. “This ensures that the Earth+ programme is not only comprehensive; but also highly effective,” explains Josh. 

No egos: it's not (only) about us

For a partnership to thrive, it’s crucial to leave egos at the door. Especially when the mission is to support organsations to decarbonise. It is in everyone’s best interest to do so - Climate Action is a team sport. 

“This focus on collective impact pushes project participants to strive for outstanding outcomes for everyone involved; not just themselves. Each partner brings unique strengths and expertise to the (Earth+) programme, but there’s no jockeying for the spotlight. The focus remains firmly on our shared mission: creating a more sustainable future,” comments Josh.  

Who can you collaborate with?

“In your industry, who can you collaborate with? It doesn't have to be something as significant as a new project. Sharing knowledge or experience is also a form of collaboration; and a rising tide lifts all boats,” believes Josh.

It might be time to rethink the traditional competitive mindset and embrace the power of partnerships. By joining forces, sharing insights, and working together, we can all get ahead without leaving anyone behind. After all, when we pull together, everyone wins.