Dear Mom and Dad,

I hope that you got rid of our leaky faucet in the bathroom. I think that in this day in age at least, there is so much to be done about the climate crisis, including by not limited to our role in the crisis itself. I know at the time I am writing this letter, I am the one in the family who encourages everybody to use reusable items, such as water bottles. I hope that you guys have internalized that message as well. It is silly to think that we will not be affected by climate change just because we live in a little, suburban neighborhood. Rather, I think you have to worry more about climate change. Think of all the things we won’t be able to do — buy certain foods because the climate has rendered their growth impossible, swim in the summertime since freshwater is scarce, take the dog for walks at Fairmount Park since biodiversity is compromised. I could continue for the entire length of this letter due to the amount of change that we will experience due to climate change. Our role as Americans, as Global Citizens, is too important to just stand by. For myself at least, I will continue to live a green life. At this time, you know I don’t eat a lot of meat. By 2050, I want to become fully vegan since it is great for the environment and our health. I also want to sell my car. No, it’s not because I’m a bad driver (although, that is an excuse to get rid of it). I feel as though if I live in a city, as I plan to do eventually, I won’t use my car much and I can rely on public transportation to get around. There is much more to be done, and I hope that you guys take this letter not with a grain of salt, but with a warning from the past.

Love,
Katie Kelly