Last Friday, millions of people across the globe skipped school, walked out of offices and banded together to protest climate change. Demonstrators in what was collectively called the Global Climate Strike demanded an “end to the age of fossil fuels.''
The protest transpired just a few days before the United Nations Climate Summit, which took place in New York this past Monday. The youth led charge was intended to grab the attention of policy makers, government officials and business leaders and get them to commit to renewed and aggressive response to climate change.
Protesters plan to take to the streets once more tomorrow, Friday September 27th, for Earth Strike. Standing behind a akin ethos, this strike is aimed at getting governments and corporations to agree to binding, unambiguous commitments to protecting endangered habitats and reducing the number of greenhouse gases they produce.
Collectively, the demonstrations are some of the largest international movements for climate change to date.
What do These Strikes Have to do With Travel?
Fellow wanderlusters and travel enthusiasts have an undeniable stake in this issue, if at the very least to help protect the planet which we love to explore. At Global Basecamps, we demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility by working with eco-friendly operators and educating our audience on more sustainable ways to travel.
However, the relationship of travel to the climate crisis goes beyond offsetting your flight emissions or reducing your on-trip plastic waste. For many of us, one of the most enticing elements of travel is getting the opportunity to interact with cultures, habitats, and people far outside our daily bubble. In addition to broadening our perception of the world, these types of experiences help to foster deeper connections and empathy to places other than home. This exercise in broadening our perspectives is especially important during a time when coming together as a global community is critical.
The realities of climate change can feel ominous to anyone. Yet, the extent and speed at which this crisis affects an individual varies greatly. For some, it’s a pang of anxiety every time they come across unsettling statistic. For others, climate change is already much more disruptive: from the island homes of whole communities disappearing under-water to entire regions becoming uninhabitable due to extreme temperatures.
Due to rising sea levels and the stripping of reefs, the San Blas Islands - an archipelago of more than 340 islands off the Eastern Coast of Panama - are at risk for being underwater in just a few decades, displacing more than 28,000 Guna people.
Global Basecamps still values crafting experiences for our clients that capitalize on adventure, leisure and authenticity. But, we also hope that upon reflecting on your travel experiences, you’ll take a moment to consider the future well-being of the habitats and people who call these destinations home. Whether or not you choose to participate in tomorrow's strike, or make your voice through other means, it’s clear that business can no longer go on usual. There remains so much of our beautiful planet to explore, but it is up to all of us collectively to protect it.
Curious of how Global Basecamps works to benefit the local communities and habitats of our destinations? Check out our Global Initiatives page. And if your ready to plan your next adventure outside your daily bubble, join us on one of our tours!
