To laugh at our efforts as they were on such a small scale, too small some would say to make a difference, and then smile when we think about the number families just like ours that did the same thing.

When the worst consequences of climate change still feel far away today, or the barriers to acting on climate change seem steep today, I do not think about today. I think about you, and your world when you are my age.

We loved hiking, camping, biking, swimming and playing as kids together.

I see a world full of hope fueled by the desire for change.

I promise that I will change my behavior to benefit our trees.

I am most sorry we could not work through our differences, and see through the greed, get organized, and do more so that you could have a better life in your 2030 future.

I am witnessing climate change in a way that I do not like, and I do not know how can I stop it.

We only have 11 years left until the damage done by climate change is irreversible.

All you can do is your best. You can encourage the same in others. You can admit your mistakes and those of your ancestors. You can learn from them, and help however you can. I’ll do the same. I promise.

My promise is to work to protest carbon emissions.

To think that my choices of sustainable commuting, eating a plant based diet, and working on our City’s zero waste program likely pale in comparison to the impact of not having a baby is nothing short of devastating.  Does it make me a bad environmentalist to honor my maternal instincts?