Traveling is a passion of mine. I have been to the capital of six countries, but I had never been to Washington, DC before this summer. It just felt wrong. And now I know why. I have already fallen in love with this city, with everything from the glimmering skyscrapers to the mouth-watering food trucks to the streets bursting with life.
As hectic and professional as the city is, one must find time to relax and enjoy the little things. Sometimes that means going to the park one Friday with your coworkers to pet puppies. Even disregarding our puppy outing, I have had a wonderful time working for World Food Program (WFP) USA.
I wasn’t sure what to expect being an intern at a United Nations associated organization. It seemed intimidating, but I knew it’d be a great experience. And even though it’s only been two weeks, it already has been. Specifically, I work with climate smart agriculture; with the changing climate, smallholder or subsistence farmers need to adapt. WFP USA helps bring climate smart technology to these farmers. A part of my job has been to research what is known about climate change agriculture, what other organizations are doing, and what WFP USA is doing. Previously, my knowledge about climate change agriculture was limited, but now I feel like I have something to contribute to the team. I even have my first blog on their website: http://wfpusa.org/blog/world-environment-day-wfp-talks-about-going-green
Another part of my job is to attend events related to climate change, agriculture, or food security. One event I attended was the Atlantic Council and EU discussion for Climate Diplomacy Day called “Climate Security: The Next ‘Battle Ground’?” Among the speakers were H.E. Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the United States; H.E. David O’Sullivan, Ambassador of the European Union to the US; and the Hon. Sharon Burke, Senior Advisor to the International Security Program. They emphasized the importance and hazards of climate change. A changing climate is a threat to food security, human security, and national security.This panel was a great opportunity to hear experts share their knowledge and express their views.
These past two weeks have flown by, but I have loved every minute of it. Even when it’s pouring or blistering outside, there is a museum to escape to or friends to complain with. I am definitely looking forward to what the rest of my summer holds.