Climate Change Through the Eyes of a World Traveler

I’ll never forget waking up one morning while studying abroad in Australia, opening my window to smoke blanketing the sky from the devastating wildfires. It was the first time I realized that no place is safe from climate change. Disasters like these feel deeply personal when they strike places we call home—even temporarily.

That moment stuck with me, and it’s one I’ve thought about often as I’ve witnessed the increasing impacts of climate change across the globe.

Fast forward to today: Wildfires are raging through Los Angeles, leaving communities devastated and displacing countless families.

Just two months ago, I witnessed a wildfire firsthand burn through the woods just five minutes from my childhood home in Reading, PA. The trail where I once hiked regularly was scorched—a place I never imagined would be touched by a disaster like this.

It’s not only wildfires. Earlier this year, devastating floods tore through Western North Carolina—a region where I’ve spent countless weekends as a college student and revisited often as a nomad. Seeing a place I hold so dearly, once regarded as a climate haven, ravaged by flooding was jarring.

These events are a stark reminder: no place is safe from climate change.

As travelers and nomads, we’re drawn to the beauty of the world: its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unique wonders. But now, we’re also witnessing its fragility.

We often think about safety when we travel—crime rates, for example. But how often do we consider safety from natural disasters? How often do we prepare for unexpected wildfires, floods, or hurricanes when planning our trips?

With all these realities unfolding around us, the question becomes:

Here’s the good news: there’s a lot we can do. Whether you’re a traveler, a nomad, or someone watching from afar, small actions can make a big impact.

No matter where you are, take the time to understand the local risks. Whether it’s wildfires, floods, hurricanes, or extreme heat, knowing how to respond could save your life—or someone else’s.

Here’s how to stay prepared:

• Research the natural disaster risks of any new destination. Is it prone to wildfires, floods, or hurricanes?

• Learn evacuation routes and where to find reliable local information in an emergency.

• Pack for the unexpected: include items like a first-aid kit, power banks, and water purification tablets.

These steps don’t just protect you—they can make you a resource for others if disaster strikes while you’re on the road.

Right now, Los Angeles needs our support. Here are a few organizations providing critical aid during the wildfires:

• Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation: Supports firefighters with essential resources. Donate at supportlafd.org.

• California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund: Offers support to those affected by wildfires across the state. Visit calfund.org.

• World Central Kitchen: Provides hot meals to first responders and communities impacted by disaster. Contribute at wck.org.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.

While individual efforts are important, we must push for systemic change. Reducing carbon footprints and supporting clean energy initiatives are essential, but we also need bold, collective action from our leaders, corporations, and governments to address the root causes of the climate crisis.

• Advocate for climate policies that reduce emissions and invest in renewable energy.

• Write to your representatives, attend local climate events, and support organizations leading the charge.

• Hold corporations accountable: Support businesses that prioritize sustainability and call out those that harm the planet.

Together, we can demand the change needed to protect our planet.

As travelers, we are privileged to experience the beauty of our planet firsthand—but with that privilege comes the responsibility to protect it. The places we love—our favorite trails, beaches, and cities—need our care and action.

So let’s do something about it. Let’s prepare for the challenges ahead, lend a hand to those who need it, and demand bold climate action that can preserve our future.

Are you in?

How have you seen climate change impact the places you love? Let’s talk about it in the comments.