To my beautiful boy,

Today is world oceans day. I will never forget the first time I felt you flutter in my tummy was when I landed in Sydney off a flight from Amsterdam and took you swimming in the ocean. We lived in Bondi and while you grew, we took walks together along the Bondi to Bronte coastal track. I would talk to you as we smelt the saltwater together. You made me excited about the future. I worked at Taronga Zoo helping the team build an Institute of Science and Learning for future generations. Your papa visited from Amsterdam and we travelled to Tasmania and swam lots in the ocean. You love swimming in the ocean. I missed my Greenpeace family, who are also your family – Warriors of the Rainbow. They are strong like you.

Already at 3 years old you point out plastic in the canal, you want to make a difference and I know you will. We have no other choice. The clock is ticking. The Arctic is melting, cities are growing, nature is receding, wildlife is suffering, our oceans are choking. But people are mobilising. And from little things, big things will grow.

I hope the world will change and you will be part of the solution – renewable energy, flourishing forests, plastic free seas, simple living – bikes, films, art, fun.

I promise not to eat animals, to fight for a fair and green future for everyone. To build diverse and daring communities of good folk making the world and better place. And, most of all, I promise to love you forever.

The clock is ticking. The Arctic is melting, cities are growing, nature is receding, wildlife is suffering, our oceans are choking. But people are mobilising. And from little things, big things will grow.