Dear Tanner,
You are seven years old and in the first grade when I am writing this letter. You were just here last month for Earth Day, April 22, in Dallas, TX where I live. I enjoyed spending time with you out at Fair Park! We went to the Lego Exhibition where you built a futuristic diorama. And, you climbed trees with “Tree Climbers International”. You might remember that experience! You were very determined to climb that tree using ropes and pulleys, and of course a helmet with shin guards. Also, you drew pictures while you were here of hills and wide-open spaces, sunsets, birds, and animals. I could tell from your drawings that you love nature and that you are extremely interested in science!
Earth Day Texas drew record crowds on this weekend. It’s heartwarming to know that there is so much interest and concern for the environment. I hope that Earth Day Texas continues to grow in the future. And, I hope I will continue to see you and your mom each year at this important event. Earth Day 2020 will mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, so this will be a momentous occasion that we can look forward to!
Your mom, Krystal Henagan, was working that weekend for Moms Clean Air Force. She is doing a tremendous job for that organization. I hope Moms Clean Air Force is still around in the future even when you are reading this letter! I am so proud that your mom is the field representative for Texas. The citizens of this big state are in good hands with her at the helm! And, I want to do everything I can to support her efforts. I am 64 years old now, but in my lifetime thus far I feel I have supported efforts to conserve energy and promote a clean and healthy environment.
Yet after experiencing Earth Day Texas and realizing the importance of saving our planet from climate change, I am motivated to do more. I feel this can best be accomplished by supporting and electing officials that recognize that climate change is real and who have a sincere interest in preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. On the Moms Clean Air Force website I was able to tell my governor to protect our children from climate pollution through The Clean Power Plan. Also on that excellent website, I was able to pledge to vote to protect a healthy, safe climate and sign petitions to that regard. The Moms Clean Air Force is a wonderful avenue to let your voice be heard!
I am fortunate to live in Dallas where we have DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) as a mode of transportation. You have ridden on DART with me before and I hope we can utilize DART more on future visits. Using light rail instead of automobiles will help to improve the quality of our air. I wish Americans weren’t so dependent on automobiles! And, I hope by the time you read this letter, more communities in Texas and throughout our country have made the transition to using mass transit.
Tanner, this year, 2016, is a critical year regarding climate change and the future of our planet. Supposedly you will be reading this letter in the year 2050. That will be 34 years from the time this letter was written. You will be a grown man by that time. That is hard to imagine! You have so much to look forward to and so much to learn. I hope efforts have been maintained that will make the necessary changes to make this a happy, healthy, and safe environment for you and others to grow up in. One thing you may not know about me is that I’m a fanatic about recycling, and I detest using Polystyrene (Styrofoam) food containers. Many cities have banned the use of these plastic foam products. Hopefully, Polystyrene and other plastics are totally eradicated worldwide as they are extremely detrimental to our health and the environment.
This year on April 22, Earth Day, 175 UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) leaders signed the Paris Agreement at the UN in New York City. This was a historic event in that the ultimate goal is to change the policy of climate change and reduce global warming in our lifetime. No doubt, you are aware of this treaty, and I hope and pray it was successful in making the necessary changes. Prior to the signing, in December 2015 leaders met in Paris at the U.N. Climate Summit. Our President Barack Obama spoke at the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties (COP21). He stated, “Let that be the common purpose here in Paris: a world that is worthy of our children.” I agree with these words wholeheartedly. What better legacy to leave our children!
Tanner, this is such an exciting time where we, the people of the world, have such a tremendous challenge placed in front of us. And, I have pledged to do my part. I have faith that our environment will be in good shape because of efforts made worldwide now and in the future. And, assuredly you and your generation, and generations to come, will carry the torch because of the examples established in the past.
Much love from your Grandmother,
Gigi
