PhotoCredit: Akil Mazumder.
How are you doing? Congratulations on still living. Yet I believe things must be tough on your side. The world you are living in now may be evolving in many ways. The idea of sustainability, climate change, mental health and younger generations leading the charge in their ways has taken center stage, which you might not be able to completely relate to. But that’s okay.
I know that climate change is worrying you. The sun is scorching, disasters are happening more frequently. All the basic things you were so used to having when you were younger may now become a luxury. Health, fresh air and water, and even your loved ones. Currently, the Earth’s temperature is rising close to 1.5 degrees C. By the time you are reading this, I hope that it sticks to 1.5.
Countries are committing to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, but urgent action is needed. I am writing to you from the year 2024. At this point in time, we’re struggling to cut emissions by 45% pre-industrial levels by 2030, as advised by scientists to prevent catastrophic warming. Cutting emissions to this level requires substantial reductions in fossil fuel usage, with a significant portion of reserves needing to remain underground. I hope, by the time you are reading this, we have done what was necessary to not let you down.
While your day-to-day may have changed, I hope you still enjoy good health and find joy in simpler pleasures.
I hope that you still bring your grocery bag to the shop and always say no to single-use plastics.
I hope that you haven’t given in to overconsumption.
I hope that you are still fit enough to make your own soap and body scrub.
Perhaps you’ve traded bustling cities or nomadic life for tranquil countryside or jungle settings for good. Just to let you know, there’s no specific right or wrong way to live. If it’s ethical and you’re happy with your decision, just go ahead. I hope that you always believe in yourself even when you are making mistakes. I hope you never give up on the idea of sustainability – it’s not the perfection or numbers that count, but the effort that you put every single day to improve your life holistically for the long term.
Many things must have changed on your side, I believe. The Sustainable Development Goals may have another name, with more key points to achieve. As more problems arise, more issues will need to be addressed and mitigated. Life may get easier, physically. Yet tougher, mentally. Thus, be kind to everyone around you for we are all struggling in our battle.
I’m glad mental health awareness progressed during your younger years. Your generation laid the foundation for a kinder, more empathetic world. Please keep nurturing that legacy and stay curious about new research and discoveries yet arm yourself with facts. Pseudoscience was everywhere when you were younger. Probably the pattern would continue. But we can always choose to be wiser. I hope that our efforts during our youth are paying off, that future generations now have better access to education and more opportunities for building meaningful livelihoods. May they never witness genocide anymore. May we uphold truth and integrity, and never be silent in the face of corruption. Indeed, kindness knows no limits.
Dear older me, as you navigate these complexities, remember that your choices today shape the world of tomorrow. You are never too old to do nothing or be too comfortable. Keep on staying resilient and compassionate, and may you find fulfilment in the wisdom of your years. Thank you for everything. I pray that you shall age gracefully.
Warm regards,
Your 20s self
