Dear Future James,

I’m currently finishing up my first sustainability class, and I’m ready to continue on this path and counteract the many persistent threats to the environment. As we speak, the federal government is doing very little to protect our future, even more so given the fact that Trump has just been elected. I want to praise you for getting through whatever is to come, and thank you for your continued persistence despite the many challenges you face as an environmentally-conscious individual.

Early on, I understood my contribution to climate change: in both my negative actions and my duty to protect and advocate for the environment. I hope that you are still cognizant of your impact and role in protecting the world, but my main concern is in your role in educating the rest of the world. Despite the fact that I’m sure you’ve been knocked down and discouraged, I am confident that you will stay on track. Always remember your place in the world: as a politically active and progressive individual. Never forget your power to change the world, and NEVER stop fighting for our Earth.

I’m sure the Trump administration still leaves a sour taste in your mouth, as I’m currently wondering how this presidency will affect the world. With reduced funding, denial of existing problems, and laziness, I can only imagine how discontent you have grown with the negligence of the environment. I’m hoping that you have a democratically controlled presidency and Congress that will understand the propensity of the threats to the world, and make real strides to protect and prevent further damages. In addition, I hope to see alternative, clean energies completely replacing fossil fuels, and I think you have an important role in that transition. I encourage you to always be involved in the environment, innovating every step of the way. I hope your lungs and water are clean despite pollution. I hope your home is on high ground, your lawn far from green, despite coastal flooding and neighborly pressures of complacency.

Up until you read this, I promise to begin laying the groundwork for a successful and impactful career. I will continue to educate, inspire, and cultivate sustainable solutions in my community. I promise to look at the bigger picture and think outside of myself, at the future and my fellow inhabitants of Earth. I promise to reduce my impact as much as possible, and perhaps even pay the extra cash to ensure environmental change. Most importantly, I promise to give back to the Earth, bearing in mind my duty to counteract the damage that has already been done, making sure I feel good about the Earth I am leaving behind.