We live in a time where the world feels both enormous and small.
Enormous because there’s cities I’ve never walked through, languages I’ve never heard spoken in a crowded cafe, and versions of myself I have yet to meet.
Small because one flight can carry me across an ocean to an exact place.
I read an article featuring my favorite youtuber and travel blogger Kianna Naomi about the importance of young women exploring the world. My mum understood this perfectly, having traveled to more than twenty countries in her thirties. I want to follow in her footsteps.
Studying abroad at Queen Mary University of London is my first step. It will allow me to experience a new culture, become more independent, and learn more about myself as a young woman in her twenties. However, this opportunity comes with a responsibility: how can I explore the world while caring for the place we all call home?
As a Public Health Science student, I understand cleaner air, safer transportation, and reduced waste contribute to healthier communities.
My journey to London will require air travel, which unfortunately will be the largest source of emission. To reduce my impact and support SDG 13: Climate Action, I plan to make that my only flight while in the United Kingdom and avoid unnecessary short- haul flights. Europes rail networks will also allow travel to Italy, and France while watching the landscape from a train window.
While abroad, I will prioritize trains, buses, walking, and cycling. I find comfort in being surrounded by people as we all go about our daily lives. It reminds me of sonder: the realization that every person around me has a life as complex as my own.
In London I will use resources like Tfl Go and Citymapper to explore London, Trainline, as well as lime and santander bikes which directly continue to make improvements to reduce carbon impact(Greater London Authority, 2025). My choices also support SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
I will continue habits I already practice at home which support SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: using a reusable water bottle, avoiding single use plastic, separating recycling correctly, switching off light, and unplugging unused cables. I am also the friend that says “we can walk” when a destination is a reasonable distance. In a walkable city like London, I plan to say that even more.
We live in a time where seeing the world is easier than ever. It must just come with care.
Resources:
Transport for London. (n.d.). Reducing carbon emissions.
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/about-tfl/reducing-carbon-emissions
Home | Sustainable Development. (n.d.). https://sdgs.un.org/?menu=1300
Greater London Authority. (2025, January 16). Carbon footprint of dockless and docked hire bikes.
https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/find-an-answer/carbon-footprint-dockless-and-docked-hire-bikes
