Write a letter for your child or grandchild to read in the future

Since you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you’re concerned about climate change.  But there’s often a gap between how we feel about climate change and what we actually do about it.  If that could be you, here’s a strategy that might help: write a letter for a child or grandchild to read in the future. 

So that’s my challenge to you today: think of a real person in your life (perhaps a child or grandchild?) who will be living at some point in the future (perhaps 2050, or a milestone birthday?) and write a letter for them to read at that future point. 

• Choose a real person, not an imaginary future person.  That way you can attach a face, personal experiences, emotion and more.

• Share a bit of what you know about the main causes and consequences of climate change, and why you’re concerned

• Share a bit about your hopes for successfully reducing emissions and solving climate change

• Share a bit about actions you’re taking and actions you plan to take.  Don’t be afraid to share your frustrations, or barriers you’re experiencing (we all have those) – but also try not to turn them into excuses for inaction.

• Add anything else you’d like to say: a prayer for peace, kindness, strength or love; your best advice; or something else.

• Then date it, seal it and pass it on to the recipient

Writing a letter need not take long; you can get a lot done in 30 minutes.  But if it does take longer, well, aren’t the kids worth it?

Good luck – and if the article that inspired this post is correct, may this exercise renew your motivation and strengthen your resolve!