As I write this, I consider giving up as it sometimes seems that all is lost. But then I think of you.

Sent on

June 11, 2018

Jim Poyser

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Dear Ezmae,

By 2050, you will be in your mid 30s. In my mid 30s, I was pondering what career would best support my three children, one of whom is your mom, Clare. I had a choice: journalism or nursing. I picked journalism, but nursing would have been just as amazing! Nevertheless, a quarter century ago I was not thinking about climate change and how it might impact my children and grandchildren. Now it is all I think about. I am fortunate to spend my full-time career on this most important issue, yet I disparage myself constantly for not doing more. Every day is an emotional roller coaster and I often end up on the low end of this thrill ride. And yes, here in 2018 as I write this, I consider giving up as it sometimes seems that all is lost.

But then I think of you.

You are almost four, but I feel as if you have been part of my whole life. You are brilliant and beautiful and funny and quite a scooter rider! When you see me you shout ‘Da!’ and rush to hug me. This is why giving up is not an option.

I will commit to not giving up, not going dark, not being overtaken by the demons of dread and regret. Because of you. Because of you I will continue to spend all my time on solutions. Because of you I will smile through this work, and model your joyful, hilarious nature in that work, so that others may feel that joy, that hopefulness, that sense of possibility.

Thank you for that, dear Ezmae.

Your Da,

Jim Poyser

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More Messages to the Future

Dear Evan,

What has most inspired me to act is wanting to be able to look you in the eye and say, “When I became aware of the existential threat of climate change, I did all I could.” Despite my pessimism, I act in the hope it can make a difference for future generations and all the precious life on our fragile planet.

Dear Tomorrow,

My climate promise is to use a refillable bottle, bring my own resusable spoon/form wherever I go, use clean personal care products (without chemicals).

Dear Tomorrow,

The transformation of human consciousness

Dear People Of The Future,

It’s scary, this is the stuff you see in movies about the end of the world.

Dear Emilia and Tommy,

We, in our time, still have the chance to change course. We have the knowledge and emergent means, even the profitable technologies, to do so.

Dear Nephew,

I believe i have truly played my part in raising awareness and practical solutions to climate change.

Dear future love,

A culture of consumption is the reason that my world faces such an ecological crisis, it is both necessary and proper to address the fundamental mindsets that have created such a destructive culture.

Dear Tomorrow,

I am so sorry we didn’t realize this predicament sooner.

Dear humankind of today and tomorrow,

I do wish to contribute as much as I can, maybe even start a ripple effect, where other people will start taking action too and inspire other people too.

Dear Tom and Leena,

I want you to only see the beauty in this world; there is so much of it and I will protect this beauty for as long as I am here on this Earth.

Hey Kiddos!

My hope for you is that all our legislative efforts and care for the environment makes a difference so that we can wipe asthma out of our family.

To the generation after mine,

But when you encounter that resistance–and you will, regularly–know that you must respond just how we have had to these past 50 years. With love, and sternness, and most of all, courage. Because that is what the resistance fears the most. We who came before you promise that we will do the same while we wait for you. Know that you will never be alone.

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