With a minimum journey time of 23 hours from Glasgow to Brisbane, I knew I had my work cut out for me in trying to make my study abroad experience as eco-friendly as possible. From applications, course approvals, and arranging accommodation, the impact my upcoming trip would have on the environment was easily lost in the stress of formalities. However, unlike these bureaucracies- which could be delayed for a few days or weeks- caring for the climate and striving for sustainability cannot. With this in mind, I knew I had to adapt my approach to my year abroad.
Following knowingly fruitless searches on Man at Seat 61, I admitted that I would have to make the journey to Australia by plane. Instead of viewing this as a failure, I perceived it as a challenge: how to make the journey and my consequent time in Australia as climate conscious as possible. Firstly, choose the route with the minimum number of stops. With 50% of airplane carbon emissions coming from takeoff and landing (Go Green Travel Green, 2018), paying a little more for a one-stop flight with Emirates Airline was an easy compromise to make. Emirates also has several sustainability initiatives, boasting a young fleet that allows reduced emissions and provides blankets made from recycled materials (Emirates, 2019). I have also started to consider packing to ensure I am keeping my luggage weight as low as possible, as the less weight onboard a plane lessens the fuel consumption. Luckily, the Aussie climate doesn’t call for heavy jackets!
Out with my travel arrangements, which despite my efforts will still contribute more to the climate crisis than I would hope for, I feel the need to pursue a lifestyle in Australia aimed to offset this. By utilizing public transport and fantastic cycle paths in my new home, I’ll be able to see more of the new city whilst also keeping sustainability in mind.
Furthermore, a huge part of adhering to the UN Sustainable Development Goals while I am away will be sourcing local ingredients from local suppliers. Being a keen cook, at home I find myself falling on the same meals for weeks on end to utilize the small list of locally sourced ingredients of the season. Moving to the other side of the world, I am excited for this list to change with the new native produce I will now have access to. From Artichokes to Yacon, I will strive to create a new, invigorated meal plan using the amazing produce of the region.
I am also excited to explore the University of Queensland’s Green Ambassador Programme, which aims to raise environmental awareness within UQ and beyond, as well as being aligned with the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals.
These measures are not world-changing or climate-saving, but they are a small part of the global fight for sustainability that rages on, no matter which corner of the world you find yourself in.
https://www.emirates.com/english/about-us/our-planet/sustainability-in-operations/
