As someone studying International Environmental Law, I have come to see Earth not just as a home, but as a shared responsibility. The more I learn about the sacred balance of our ecosystems, the more deeply I feel the urgency to protect them.
Working at the Natural History Museum has strengthened my passion. Behind every exhibit is a story of conservation, research, and innovation. The museum’s ambitious sustainability goals, such as reaching net zero by 2035 and banning domestic flights where alternatives exist, are more than policies; they are a commitment to change. Their “Sustainable by Nature” plan has taught me how practical shifts, like designing solar panel-compatible buildings or providing water refill stations, can shape a greener future. True sustainability does not mean doing less, it means doing better, with purpose and care.
With that in mind, I have committed to making my year abroad as eco-friendly as possible, beginning with how I travel. This summer, I have been travelling across Europe and North Africa. I have opted for trains and ferries over flights, even when it meant longer journeys. I embraced local public transport, walked when I could, and relied on refillable water bottles, easily topped up at fountains open to the public. These small acts are part of a larger picture that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
I embraced Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action) by cutting out single-use plastics and making a habit of turning off lights and appliances. I carry a reusable shopping bag, reuse towels, and choose community-run accommodations that support local sustainability initiatives. For example, I have noticed an encouraging recycling system in place, one I gladly follow at home too.
I am deeply invested in the environment and understand that sustainability is not just environmental, but also social and economic. Supporting local projects and respecting cultural traditions are key parts of this global puzzle. They create long-term value and mutual understanding, making travel a force for good.
One of the most poignant examples of why this work matters is the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), a species once common in rivers across Europe, now critically endangered. Pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change have devastated its migration routes and breeding grounds. Clean rivers, restored wetlands, and sustainable fishing practices are all necessary to ensure its survival. This eel’s fragile journey mirrors our own: without collective care and action, we risk breaking the delicate threads that bind our ecosystems.
As I prepare for this transformative year abroad, I carry with me not only a suitcase, but also a responsibility, to live my values, reduce my footprint, and act as a steward for a cleaner, more sustainable world. I travel to learn, but also to protect, hoping to inspire others to do the same.
References:
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
https://www.surescreenscientifics.com/species/european-eel/
https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Anguilla-anguilla.html
