As I stood on the beach in Costa Rica, looking out at the vast Pacific Ocean, I realized that the natural beauty of the world is both breathtaking and fragile. While traveling opens our eyes it also demands responsibility. In this age of increasing urgency surrounding climate activism, the way we move through the world matters more than ever. My international placement in London not only is going to allow me to grow academically and personally but also challenge me to be a better steward of the environment. By emphasizing eco-friendly choices and furthermore aligning my actions with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, I will aim to make sustainability a guiding principle in every step of my journey.
From carbon emissions from air travel to the negative impacts of tourism on local ecosystems, travel often comes with a significant environmental cost. Recognizing this tension, I have made a conscious decision to embrace sustainable travel practices that reduce harm and promote environmental well-being. The UN Sustainable Development Goals have provided a valuable framework for making choices that are not only environmentally sound but socially responsible. In particular I choose to focus on Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) (https://sdgs.un.org/goals).
Prior to my time overseas, I will choose flights with lower emissions ratings primarily by opting for direct routes to minimize fuel consumption. Furthermore in my travels, I plan to use a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastic. While in London, I plan to using public transportation, walking, or biking whenever possible. I also intend to support locally owned and eco-conscious businesses that openly emphasize sustainability and community reinvestment.
During my time internationally, I hope to seek out opportunities to deepen my environmental awareness not only in London but also in surrounding areas. Local clean-up initiatives are something that I am highly interested in along with workshops through the University on other efforts.
Although avoiding travel altogether would be the most effective way to reduce my environmental footprint, it is neither a practical nor meaningful solution for fostering global understanding and growth. Travel ultimately promotes meaningful connections across borders and encourages understanding of other cultures. Simply doing away with this would be detrimental to the well-being of our global connectivity. Thus, we must be mindful in our travels and advocate for sustainability.
Receiving this scholarship would empower me to continue this journey as a mindful traveler and strong advocate for sustainability. I am fully committed to ensuring that my experiences will not come at the planet’s expense, and I am determined to help shape a future where exploration and environmental stewardship can work in tandem.
