Dear future generations,

There has been a lot of talk lately about global warming and climate change. Our planet has contributed to this epidemic more than any other generation. I grew up in an era that was materialistic and consumed by consumption. Our impact on this planet has severely damaged the earth’s resilience to harmful pollutants, carbon dioxide, and greenhouse gases. When I was a college student I took a class called Intro to Sustainability. In this class, we learned about our carbon footprint and potential ways to help reduce our impact on climate change.

There is a lot of talk about global warming among scientist and politicians. I could go on and on about the debates, the Paris Agreement, and scientific efforts discussed to make a change and make this world a more sustainable place to live. However, there is one issue with global warming that I think about more than the rest. That is, the melting of the polar ice caps, because as time goes by, the rate of melting increases. This results in rising sea levels and warming of the earth. Melting ice has been one of the leading causes of rising of sea levels. Once the ice caps completely melt, the earth will become one large body of water. This is a scary thought, I know. It makes me think of all the “End of the World” movies, and if I will actually be alive to experience something like that?

Scientist have said that the melting of the glaciers could create polar tipping points. Tipping points are often irreversible and surpass the threshold that our planet can stand. The warning signs are become more alarming and getting increasingly obvious. Yet, there are still politicians and other government officials that do not and will not believe the facts and scientific proof. An example would be with 2017 President Donald Trump, who has set out to eliminate the budget for climate change in the science field. It is extremely alarming to have a human being in charge of this world who has no care to help make this world a more sustainable place to live.

I want future generations to know the importance of sustainability and think about all the ways we are effecting climate change. It can be difficult in this world to stand up and stand up tall for what you believe in. Having powerful conversations is just the beginning. If we want to remain a species on this planet we need to make a change. Many coastal cities currently are experiencing mass flooding due to rising sea levels. I do not want future generations to be drowned under a body of water. There are people today who are creating and innovating alternative energy and solutions. In some areas we are past the point of no return but we can slow down and/or eliminate the threat if we all continue to hold ourselves accountable.