Dear future generations,

Today is November 22, 2018, a day when the environment is in a state that it should have never been in. It is Thanksgiving Day, a day to celebrate with loved ones, near and dear. Yet, many people here in California are unable to do so. Their homes have been destroyed and their loved ones gone missing due to the massive wildfires in the state right now. These wildfires have not only destroyed the land, but the air as well with smoke and particles reaching the far northern part of the state.

These types of environmental disaster are not only occurring in California, but around the world. The lack of care and responsibility shown by nations and their citizens have caused environmental damage. This includes disasters like floods, fires, melting of glaciers and icecaps; all byproducts of climate change and green house gas increase. Direct human damage includes logging of forests, breakdowns of nuclear plants, garbage disposal, and polluting of water.

Currently, steps are being taken to try and improve the situation. Laws to increase fuel efficiency in cars, raise standards for energy consumption and so on have helped. New laws here in California include a ban on plastic such as straws. However, more steps need to be taken by individuals. Even if it may seem small, one person’s contribution can add up if all people think that way. Furthermore, education on climate change and environmental studies is critical to increase awareness and decrease ignorance. Only then will we make change as a nation when we choose to vote and elect those into power who recognize how fragile and important our environment, natural forests and oceans are.

I hope to see you all in the future making a change so that mother nature can be restored to its previous, beautiful condition.