I have been involved in water quality studies for more than 30 years now, mostly concerning coastal areas but also inland waters. Over the years I have seen the focus of such studies change between heavy metals, nutrients and emerging contaminants such medicines, pesticides, (micro)plastics and PFAS. I have also seen the problems concerning climate change and other environmental issues grow. And I am worried, not only for myself, but also for my children and grandchildren.
When I first heard about studies regarding land development in, say, 2050, I thought it very very far away. But it no longer is! My children, who are in their twenties now, will reach their middle-age in 2050, my grandchildren will only become of age then and are expected to live into the next century. That makes any predictions for the world of 2050 and 2100 come very close.
Climate change and environmental problems are our own responsibilities. Therefore it is up to us to do something about it. As an individual I found it very frustrating that I could not do much about it. And that is why I joined the Scientists for Future group. It helps me participate in concrete actions intended to help our gouvernment, from low to high, take proper measures to counteract the negative consequences of the way we live our lives.