Message from the Future: Operation Earth Guardian
Date: 2154
Sender: United Nations Preservation Council (UNPC), Last Surviving Settlement
Recipient: Sam, Year 2024
Subject: Prevent Environmental Catastrophe
**Incoming Transmission**
Greetings, Sam.
This is the United Nations Earth Preservation Council (UNEPC) from the year 2154, transmitting from the last surviving settlement. I am reaching you through the Temporal Communication Network we developed to warn you of the dire consequences we face in the future and to guide you on a mission critical to the survival of our planet.
You’ve made the big leap and moved to Hong Kong, a place of amazing beauty and incredible opportunities. But there’s a grim reality I must share with you about our world. one that may still be preventable if you act immediately.
The Situation in 2154:
In my timeline, our environment is suffering. The carbon emissions from that eleven hour flight to Hong Kong was just the beginning. The world I live in is plagued by severe climate changes, extreme weather events, and the loss of biodiversity. Hong Kong, despite its efforts, is defeated with intensified air and water pollution, which has spread across the world.
You have the power to prevent this future. Here’s how:
Travel Mindfully:
Your flight to Hong Kong generated 2.0 tons of carbon emissions. In my timeline, these emissions have exponentially grown due to the lack of travel awareness among like travellers, leading to severe atmospheric degradation and intense heat storms.
Hong Kong is compact and walkable. Hire a bike or walk for most of your stay. Engage in the Public Transport Enhancement Program by using electric buses and trams. This will drastically reduce your carbon footprint to near zero. Encourage others to follow and lead by example. [1]
Mindful Consumption:
In 2054, the importation of international goods has reached unimaginable proportions contributing to increasing carbon emissions, polluting lands and rising temperatures.
Purchase from local markets that have little to no carbon footprint [2]. Support urban farming initiatives and zero-waste stores. This not only lowers your carbon footprint but also supports local businesses and fosters a sustainable community. This aligns with SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. [3]
Engage in Sustainability Efforts:
Individual efforts are insufficient. Collective action is imperative to promote systemic change. Join sustainability focused groups. Become active with “Green Hong Kong” and “The Clean Air Network.” Your involvement will strengthen local resilience and align with SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. [4] [5]
This message is not just a warning but a call to action. The future is not set in stone. By altering your actions, you can prevent the environmental degradation we now endure. Each step you take towards sustainability directly impacts the global effort to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Act wisely and swiftly. The world is counting on you.
References:
[1] https://footprint.wwf.org.uk
[2] https://thesra.org/news-insights/stories/hong-kong-city-guide-to-sustainable-restaurants-eatfortomorrow/
[3] https://sdgs.un.org/goals
[4] https://www.greenhk.org
[5] https://www.hongkongcan.org
Signing off,
Sam, Lead Officer at UNPC, Settlement ‘Eta 011 – (HK)’.
**Transmission End.**
