prior to my year abroad being accepted, i viewed travel simply as an escape for those fortunate enough to be able to afford. I only considered the pleasures of travel, and disregarded damage that could be done. Because of this, i have made it a mission to travel with awareness, with the understanding that everywhere i go is someones home which must be taken care of, and the acknowledgment that transportation alone damages the eco system so it is our mission to help the enviornment.
As my year abroad is in Brazil, flights are very long, meaning a huge amount of jet feul is needed. one measure i will take to promote eco-friendly travel is not to come home in between my year abroad. Furthermore, if and when i decide to travel to countries neighbouring Brazil, i will prioritise taking Boats or other less harmful methods. The idea to do this came from the UN’s 13th SDG (sustainable development goal) in which people must take action against climate change, with ambition and persistance. Without this attitude, we will not be able to save the earth that we live in.
As an international relations student, i believe in the importance of cross cultural co-operation in achieving positive change. As included in SDG 17, partnerships help communities enhance their understanding, enhance their resources and more. So my journey to brazil will allow me to build these connections first hand and push toward a green future.
Ironically, the most sustainable aspect of travel may be the perspective it creates. Living abroad forces you to recognise how interconnected global challenges really are. climate change, inequality and environmental degradation are not complex international relations topics, they shape everyday life and are constantly reinforced. So my year abroad is therefore not just am academic opportunity, but a chance to develop habits and values that i will carry long after the placement ends.
Travel will always leave a footprint, the challenge is ensuring the impact we leave behind is human. We learn so much through communication and i truly believe i can influence people to help improve the climate, spreading the word of climate change so that the world is protected to allow such journeys to be experienced.
Therefore, i know that i can be a positive ambassador for Climate awareness on my year abroad.
