Dear Future Generations,

The year is currently 2020 and I imagine that you are reading this in 2050 (if we are still alive by then … just kidding … kind of). As of right now, the United States is not doing the best job in terms of mitigation and trying to shift towards renewable sources of energy. I think that the main reason why the United States is so bad compared to other countries in terms of climate change is because of how much money the fossil fuel industry makes and also that there are still a lot of people who do not believe in it. It is frustrating that something so important and scientifically proven is still a political debate rather than just basic facts accepted by everyone.

I am hoping that by the time you are reading this, the United States has made drastic changes. As we are shifting from the Trump Administration to the Biden Administration, I hope that the changes start now. A big change that I am hoping for is that something like the Green New Deal, where the federal government will put the effort in trying to shift from fossil fuel to renewable sources, will get officially introduced into our policies. In 2050, I hope that we have enforced many mitigation strategies rather than waiting until we have to adapt and it is too late. Mitigation strategies that I imagine are in place include only depending on renewable sources like wind, solar, hydropower, etc., depending on alternative fuels for our transportation, more food restrictions in hopes to lower carbon footprints, etc. I hope that we are as efficient as other countries like Sweden, Denmark, Morocco, etc. Another big thing is that I hope that everyone believes in climate change and cares about preventing it. I really hope it is no longer a political issue.

Although I am hopeful, I am also very scared at the same time. Realistically, I feel like the United States might implement climate change strategies too late. By 2050, there must have been many more wildfires, floods, intense hurricanes, earthquakes, unhealthy air quality, etc. We might even have to wear masks outside, not due to a pandemic, but because of the pollution that is in the air. I hope that I am wrong about this. I hope that when you are reading this, you are shocked by how poorly we have handled climate change in the past because of how much things have changed. Until 2050, I will do my part in trying to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and encouraging others to do so!