Dear Georgie,
I am Dr. Emiliano Torres, a historian writing to you from a future Mexico City transformed by the choices you made in 2025. The air is clearer, the streets hum with electric transport, and the canals of Xochimilco thrive once more. But this future was not inevitable—it was shaped by individuals like you, who embraced sustainability in their travels.
Your journey began with a conscious decision: choosing the most eco-friendly flight option and offsetting your carbon footprint through reforestation programs. While air travel remains a challenge, initiatives like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 13—Climate Action—guided your efforts to minimize environmental harm.
Once in Mexico City, you navigated its vibrant streets with purpose. Instead of relying on high-emission taxis, you embraced public transport, using the metro and electric buses to reduce your carbon footprint. You even joined the city’s Ecobici bike-sharing program, pedaling through Reforma on Sundays when the streets close to cars. These choices aligned with SDG 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities, ensuring urban spaces remained livable and green.
Food was another challenge. You resisted the convenience of imported goods, instead supporting local markets and sustainable restaurants that prioritize organic, locally sourced ingredients. You discovered the beauty of Mexico’s zero-waste stores, reducing packaging waste and embracing SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production.
But sustainability isn’t just about personal choices—it’s about collective action. You volunteered with Green Mexico City, an initiative promoting urban reforestation and environmental education. You joined clean-up efforts in Xochimilco, ensuring the floating gardens remained a thriving ecosystem. These actions contributed to SDG 15—Life on Land, protecting biodiversity and restoring natural habitats.
Your study abroad experience wasn’t just about learning—it was about leading. You shared your journey with peers, inspiring them to adopt sustainable travel practices. You encouraged others to explore responsible tourism models, supporting local communities rather than exploitative industries.
And now, in 2100, I walk through a Mexico City that has changed. More green spaces. More electric transport. Cleaner air. Because people like you refused to accept the world as it was and instead shaped the world as it could be.
So, Georgie, take every step with intention. Make every choice with care. You are a guardian of the future, whether you realize it or not.
With gratitude,
Dr. Emiliano Torres
References:
https://sdgs.un.org/sites/default/files/2021-09/Mexico%20Partnership%20Landscape%20reduced.pdf
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/more-20-local-initiatives-mexico-city-are-already-operating-new-model-responsible-tourism
https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/travel-guide/mexico/sustainability
https://spanishnomad.com/7-day-itinerary-in-mexico-city/
