As a third-year political science student with aspirations to pursue a law degree and a master’s in international law, I see international mobility not only as an academic opportunity but also as a moral responsibility. My upcoming placement at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom presents a chance to deepen my global understanding — but it must also reflect my personal commitment to sustainability and responsible global citizenship.
The UK, while progressive in climate policy, still struggles with significant environmental challenges, particularly in cities like Birmingham where traffic congestion, waste production, and air pollution remain pressing issues. Understanding the environmental footprint of my travel and daily habits is vital in ensuring that my presence does not add to these burdens. I view sustainability through the lens of justice — an idea central to international law — and I believe that protecting the planet must be embedded in all cross-border experiences.
My approach aligns closely with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities),
SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and
SDG 13 (Climate Action).
These goals resonate with my academic interests in global governance and international cooperation. As someone involved in Model UN and ICAO simulations, I’ve debated climate frameworks, carbon offset mechanisms, and green development funding — and I now seek to translate those discussions into real-life action.
To reduce my environmental impact, I’ve booked a direct flight to London and offset my carbon emissions through Atmosfair, supporting renewable energy initiatives in developing countries. In Birmingham, I will rely on public transportation and active mobility — both widely accessible — and have chosen accommodation with sustainable infrastructure, including recycling services and efficient energy systems, and at a walking and biking distance from school to reduce my carbon footprint and use, as much s possible, green transportation.
I have been and will continue to be committed to low-impact daily habits: bringing reusable containers, avoiding single-use plastics, shopping at local markets, and using second-hand platforms for clothing and household needs. These habits, though simple, reflect broader changes in consumption that SDG 12 advocates.
Importantly, I believe sustainability is not just about reducing harm, but about influencing change. I plan to share my experience through posts and stories on Instagram and LinkedIn, offering practical tips on eco-friendly travel and student life in the UK. My goal is to help other students see that sustainability and international engagement can — and must — coexist.
To support this journey, I rely on digital tools such as:
– JouleBug (tracks eco-friendly habits: https://www.joulebug.com/),
– Too Good To Go (rescues surplus food: https://www.toogoodtogo.com/fr-ca),
– Citymapper (for public and active transit: https://citymapper.com/),
– Ecosia (plants trees with search activity: https://www.ecosia.org/), and
– Olio (shares unused goods locally: https://olioapp.com/en/).
In international law, we often speak of responsibility beyond borders. This placement is my chance to live that principle: to travel with purpose, consume with care, and represent my values in every decision I make abroad.
