In 2025, the travel and tourism sector represented 9.8% of the global economy and supported 1 in 9 jobs across the world (World Travel & Tourism Council, 2026). The opportunity to travel is one of the fruits of globalisation, facilitating connection across cultures, but not without its environmental consequences. High carbon emissions, air and water pollution and land use changes are amongst the most prominent impacts of tourism as a result of increased air travel, vehicle traffic and waste production. Habitats and biodiversity are threatened, and climate change is exacerbated.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals are a cornerstone of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, honouring the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainability, and recognising the need for partnerships and innovation to reduce inequalities and social issues such as hunger and poverty.
So what exactly does responsible travel look like in an increasingly interconnected world? In short, it is a balance. One between all three of the pillars of sustainability, that sees two-way exchange of knowledge between the visitor and the host.
This balance is one I hope to put into practice during my exchange in Chile. As a country that has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, invests heavily in renewable energy, green hydrogen and providing affordable, accessible, low-carbon public transport, it presents the perfect environment to grow my understanding of sustainability. The sustainability module I intend to undertake at the Pontificia Catholic University, which has its own School of Sustainable Development, will allow me to understand political reforms favouring sustainability with the wider economic, social and historical context of the country, in line with the SDGs 4 and 13 focused on quality education and climate action.
Implementing sustainable practices in my lifestyle outside of the classroom is another target I am pursuing under SDGs 12 and 8 (responsible consumption and production and sustainable tourism). Choosing to live with a local family will help me absorb local culture, reduce consumption through shared resources and lower waste and energy use. Living with local residents will also support my Spanish language journey, enabling me to integrate and show respect for local customs. I can also access recommendations for markets selling locally produced food instead of relying on supermarkets and long supply chains with higher food miles, supporting local businesses. Participating in the university’s buddy scheme with a Chilean student will provide valuable insight into Chilean culture.
As for travel, I plan to avoid unnecessary air travel and private taxis during my stay, instead walking where possible and using Santiago’s affordable public transport network, including its buses and six metro lines in accordance with SDG 11 on sustainable cities.
