Sustainable Mobility

Packing light is a good first step to reduce your carbon footprint when you travel. The more weight planes have to carry, the more fuel they use and the more carbon pollution they produce. Try to pack basic items that you can re-wear and supplement with local finds once you reach your destination. That way you also contribute to the local economy.

Take as many reusable items with you as you can, like a water bottle, coffee keep cup and a light shopping bag so you can reduce the amount of single-use plastic you use.

In many parts of the world, you can easily hire or buy a bike once you get there. If walking or cycling is not an option, then public transport is the next best choice. If your destination has a good public transport system and you have a choice of where to live, that can be a great way to get around.

Many developed countries are working to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases, for example, by transferring to renewable energy sources. This is known as climate change mitigation. In developing countries climate change adaptation is often more relevant as people work to reduce the impact of extreme weather events, for example by building flood defences. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the issue of climate justice, especially if you will be studying in lower socioeconomic countries.

If you have flexibility in what subjects you can take, you might consider choosing sustainability as one of your overseas courses. Search for ‘sustainability’ or ‘climate’ in Griffith Go Global Database to find partner universities that offer courses and/or short-term programs available on these topics. There are also online options that allow you to gain international experience while staying at home.