By Rocio Alessandra Fermin, 13
PAREF Woodrose School
Dear Future Me,
As I write this letter in 2024, the world is facing one of its greatest challenges: climate change. Due to our actions and inactions, this problem has become gargantuan in scope, and very frequent.
This week alone, PAGASA forecasted the arrival of three cyclones (Nika, Ofel, and Pepito) in the country.
The Earth’s climate is undergoing rapid and dangerous shifts due to decades of human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial pollution. These actions have led to rising global temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and the melting of ice caps. We are already witnessing its devastating consequences such as more frequent natural disasters. —floods, hurricanes, wildfires. These cause unspeakable destruction of ecosystems, forcing many species to the brink of extinction.
The effects are everywhere– from the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even to the health and survival of our communities.
Climate change makes the summers hotter and winters less predictable. Farmers are struggling with failing crops due to droughts or floods, while cities are battling heatwaves and poor air quality. Coastal regions are experiencing rising sea levels, threatening homes, and displacing entire communities. This pressing environmental issue affects our economy, health, and future.
At this moment, global leaders, scientists, and environmentalists are working tirelessly to combat climate change. But this fight requires action from everyone, including kids like me. I know that to protect our planet for you, the future me, I needs to act now.
I pledge to take concrete steps to lessen climate change in my daily life. It starts with little conscious actions like drinking from my own water jug and reusing containers. At home, I can help save energy by turning off lights and unplugging electronics when they’re not in use. Walking, biking, or using public transportation whenever possible reduces my carbon footprint. More importantly, I will spread awareness by talking to my friends and family about the importance of protecting the environment and doing what I can to rehabilitate it like participating in tree-planting programs or community clean-ups.
I hope that by doing this, you will see an Earth that’s already healed. Your cities will be cleaner, with parks and green spaces everywhere. Your air will be fresher, with electric cars and efficient public transport. You will have used renewable energy.
I hope when you read this letter in 2050, the crisis on climate will just be a thing of the past. Earth will be greener and life will be better. If that’s the case, give yourself a pat on the back. Shake the hands of friends who helped.
Celebrate knowing that your actions in 2024 were little ripples of change that helped heal the world. You did good!
With hope for a brighter tomorrow,
Rocio, 2024