Dear future self,
I am worried about the changing climate, the rising sea levels, the amount of plastic pollution, and many other environmental problems that humans have created. As a 20 year old, my whole future is in front of me, yet, I constantly wonder what that future will look like. It’s amazing how much damage systems of power have done to the environment and the things they do to conceal the real impacts. Our capitalist society is so heavily focused on economic growth at any cost that we have destroyed so many of our resources and have placed the burden of environmental impacts on the backs of the poor and people of color. There are industries that are profiting from destroying the environment, without any consequences, and there are still politicians who receive money from these industries as a bribe.
Yet, with all these terrible aspects in the world right now, I still hold out hope. My generation is strong and ready to fight to save the planet and to save society. We understand the implications of continuing to extract fossil fuels, cutting down forests, producing plastic, and other anthropogenic activities. The course that I took this semester, Global Environment, as well as my Environmental Philosophy course, have sparked a fire in me.
Recently, I have been thinking about my future and what career I will pursue. I have realized that I need to do something that I am passionate about and something that will make a difference in the world. I think it is my calling to work in a field that promotes environmental protection or policy and sustainability. While this is something to work for in the future, I need to start working right now to create a healthier and safer world, for all people, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic status, and for all species that reside on Earth.
Right now, I am going to focus on the individual ways I can take action to combat the environmental crisis. I will do more research on the environmental plans of my elected officials. I will send emails to my officials urging them to support legislation that supports environmental protection. On an even smaller level, I am trying to reduce my meat-intake, as the agricultural and meat industries play a significant role in the environmental crisis. I will also be more aware of how the clothes and other items I buy impact the Earth.
In conclusion, I want to make the world liveable for you, and for every other living thing on the planet. It is my duty to use my voice and my gifts to make this happen.
Sincerely,
Liz
