Dear Tomorrow,
To those that live in 2050 I thank you for not only surviving, but for finding a way to replenish the air, water, and soil; for creating a world out of the destruction humans have caused. The transition from a fossil fuel economy that focuses on a dog-eat-dog rat-race life that consumes, consumes, consumes, was difficult, but you persevered. Thank you. The species that survived are rebounding. The wetlands, forests, and prairies are again full of migrating birds and monarchs. The rates of asthma and car related deaths have dropped drastically. Land is again being cared for and appreciated by the entire population. Humans live in community with each other and other species and grow food while rebuilding the soil and ecosystems that had been neglected for decades. Famine caused war has disappeared, and the water rushes down the Colorado River into the Gulf of California.
To those who the world lost due to years of inaction, I grieve and apologize for my own slow movement and for the inaction of our world governments. Senseless, pointless loss from destruction of habitat and the overdevelopment of our world. To the whales and aquatic life that tried against all odds to adapt to a warmer and more acidic ocean: it was our failure, not yours. You will be remembered with all the other human and non human species sacrificed to greed and stupidity. You will continue to motivate the world as we remember your absence. Monuments stand to remember your loss and our loss.
To myself, if I should live in 2050, know that in 2021 I will no longer have investments tied to an energy sector that destroys our world and will educate all those I can about the hidden costs tied to retirement funds. I will care for the land and will stand outside of my comfort zone in protests at capitals and investment hubs. I will spread the word about heat pumps and solar panels. I will take public transit and write accurate and hopeful portrayals of the fight to save all species. I will savor walks in the woods. I will increase my involvement in the climate movement.
Isaac
