WA 4 Final Draft

Dear Mr. Obama,

Congratulations on a historic victory. I am a 16 year old student in Charlottesville, Virginia. I am writing to you to express my concerns about environmental issues, such as clean air, clean water, and the effects of global warming. These concerns are not only significant for our generation, but also help us ensure healthy conditions for our children. What will it be like in 10 to 15 years if we don’t make any changes?

As you brought up in your campaign for presidency, oil abuse and air quality come hand in hand. Cars are the major source of air pollution in most urban areas. However, their carbon footprint can be in many simple ways, such as making sure the tires are air tight. By issuing a decree on tire fullness, Americans would get better mileage, in addition to saving up to 300,000 tons of carbon emission. These tips, in addition to the promotion of city transit systems could really improve air quality.

The struggle of keeping water clean is also an issue that needs to be recognized.
Our world is awash in chemicals and pollutants that pose health risks to our families, our communities and our environment. As a result of their manufacture, use and disposal, pollutants such as perchlorate (a chemical used in rocket fuel) are being discovered in soil, groundwater, drinking water, and irrigation water around the country. There are many ways to protect America’s waters.
We can dramatically reduce our current reliance on fossil fuel based energy sources.
By making the switch to renewable energy sources for electricity, such as wind and solar, we can reduce energy consumption. Clean water should not be a luxury, but it is treated as one. To ensure our water resources for the future, its essential that we protect them today.

Having refused to recognize that global warming posed any risk at all over the past eight years, the US now had to take a lead as the world's greatest carbon emitter and the planet's largest economy. With so much propagated information “out there” (California becoming the next Atlantis, Earths sporadic combustion due to smog); it’s hard to know what to take seriously and what to believe. One thing is for certain: Although it’s a long term process, if change isn’t initiated soon, it will never happen.

Sincerely,
Madi Heim