Our last theme encapsulated the importance of building human communities and partnerships, so this weekend we wanted to focus on the importance of climate action, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between ourselves and the land. Having completed our study abroad trip, it is important to reflect on our contribution to the spaces around us, and the photos we take as a reminder of these contributions. During my time, it was great to notice the conservation efforts taken by our leaders and ourselves when traveling, which included picking rubbish up around Normandy, opting to take public transport much more than single-ride service, and chatting with locals to help volunteer for charity efforts. It was a great reminder that even though we may visit new places, these new places also visit us, and we are humbled to have the opportunity to do so. 

This first photo is from the Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris, a beautiful image of the land reclaiming ourselves once more, and a reflection that even in a place shrouded by death, there is always new life. It was also an important reminder of reflecting on the time that has passed on my own journey, and new conclusions and pathways found and ended. 

This second photo is from Italy, Pompeii, and I’ve included it as a transition between ancient human wisdom and the transcendence of the climate. It’s a powerful reminder that with empires come and gone, climate change will always demand our response, and that glory and human woe are insignificant compared to the custodianship of the planet. 

 

This last photo is from my time coming back home to New Zealand, and even though it is not from Europe, I thought it worthwhile to include some photos of my old home, having just come back from my new one. New Zealand has an incredible emphasis on environmental awareness, and it has been great to escape the city for a while and be humbled by nature’s presence, as opposed to concretes. Viewing both the magnanimity of the city and of the seascapes has been an incredible contrast, but made me reflect how to complement our role in nature rather than be threatened by it.