Write a letter to the future

In December, world leaders will meet in Paris for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. This meeting could prove to be humanity's last chance to address the crisis of our time.

Sound like hyperbole? Consider this: “The globally averaged temperature over land and ocean surfaces in 2014 was the highest among all years since record-keeping began in 1880,” according to the National Centers for Environmental Information which archives comprehensive oceanic, atmospheric and geophysical data.

The upcoming climate change discussion in Paris must be about more than just talk—it must compel action. Will leaders agree upon and pass a global treaty aimed at reducing global warming?

Or will we fail—not just ourselves, but future generations, too?

In advance of December's gathering, SN&R is soliciting messages written to future generations. Letters to the Future: The Paris Climate Project will feature missives from award-wining authors and artists, renowned scientists, politicians and activists that aim to address and predict the outcome of this global summit. The letters will be forwarded on to delegates and citizens assembling at the conference.

In November, some of these messages will also be published in SN&R, its sister papers in Reno and Chico—as well as other alternative weeklies across the United States.

We want to hear from you as well. Visit www.letterstothefuture.org to read select letters—and to find out how to participate.

It's your world, too, it's time to have your say. Our future depends on it.