This morning, I woke up with a question weighing heavily on my heart. As a grandfather—Logan calls me his Grand-Dude and Piper is learning to—I often wonder about the world my grandson and granddaughter will grow up in. What will their lives be like when they reaches my age, 75 years old, around the year 2096? This question felt so urgent that I turned to my ego-free writing teammate, GePeTo (my affectionate name for ChatGPT AI), to help me explore it in some depth.
Here’s what I asked GePeTo:
Given the current state of the world and the degree to which we are addressing the climate challenge, what is Logan's life likely to be like when he reaches my age?
As his Grand-Dude, what can I do to help prepare him for this likely future?
What can I do to assist in creating a new, more positive, and caring future for Logan and generations beyond him?
GePeTo’s Thoughtful and Empowering Response
What Logan’s Future Might Hold
The reality of the climate crisis is stark, but there is hope if we act decisively. Without immediate, transformative action, the future Logan may inherit will be marked by challenges such as rising temperatures, severe weather events, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity. Yet, alongside these challenges lies the opportunity for profound innovation, community resilience, and environmental restoration.
If humanity rises to the occasion, Logan's future could also include a renewable energy revolution, regenerated ecosystems, and a more collaborative global society. The choices we make today will determine which of these futures becomes his reality.
As I read this, I realized: the question isn’t only what Logan’s and Piper’s world will be like—it’s also about what I, as their Grand-Dude, can do to shape it.
Preparing Our Children and Grandchildren for an Uncertain Future
GePeTo’s response reminded me that while we can’t predict the world our children and grandchildren will inherit, we can equip them with the tools, values, and mindset to navigate it. Here’s how we can nurture the next generation:
Start with Nature
Children who love the natural world will grow up wanting to protect it. Take them on hikes to explore forests, streams, and mountains. Share the wonder of watching a seed sprout into a vibrant plant or the joy of growing their own food in a garden. As naturalist John Muir wisely observed, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” By grounding them in the beauty and interconnectedness of the Earth, we plant the seeds of stewardship in their hearts.
Encourage Creative Problem-Solving
The future will demand adaptability and resilience. You can help develop these qualities in simple, playful ways. Build birdhouses, solar-powered gadgets, or other hands-on projects together. Try games that spark critical thinking and teamwork. Every moment spent nurturing their curiosity and creativity helps prepare them for the challenges—and opportunities—of a changing world.
Instill a Sense of Stewardship
Even small actions can teach big lessons. Show them how to leave no trace when camping or exploring outdoors. Involve them in composting, recycling, or conserving water at home. These practices help them see that they are not just inhabitants of this Earth but its caretakers—a role they’ll carry proudly into the future.
Foster Emotional Intelligence
Empathy and collaboration will be essential in navigating the future. Teach them how to recognize and process their emotions while understanding the feelings of others. Role-play situations where kindness and teamwork can solve problems, helping them see how connection builds stronger communities.
Inspire a Love of Learning
Curiosity is the engine of progress. Share stories of inventors, leaders, and visionaries who’ve made a difference. Let them explore with science kits, art supplies, or even a telescope pointed at the stars. Encourage them to ask questions and imagine solutions. A curious mind will always find a way forward.
Creating a Brighter Future Together
GePeTo also reminded me that preparing our loved ones is only part of the equation; we must act boldly today to create a world worth inheriting. Here’s how we can do that, one step at a time:
Be the Change in Your Community
Think local! Plant a food forest, start a community garden, or host workshops about sustainability. Partner with schools or libraries to share stories that inspire others to act. The ripple effects of even small efforts can be profound.
Raise Your Voice
Write, speak, or share stories that awaken others to the climate challenge and inspire action. Support young activists, amplifying their voices in the fight for a better future. Greta Thunberg reminds us, “No one is too small to make a difference.” And neither are we.
Invest in Real Solutions
Support policies and organizations working to protect the planet. Advocate for renewable energy, reforestation, and initiatives that promote sustainability. Every vote, donation, or conversation helps shift the tide.
Collaborate Across Generations
Wisdom flows both ways. Engage with communities that bring together people of all ages to share knowledge and work toward shared goals. Learn from young leaders while passing on your own insights and values. Together, we can bridge the gaps between generations for the benefit of all.
Live Your Values Boldly
Simplify your life to reflect what truly matters. Reduce consumption, embrace sustainability, and show your loved ones that purpose and connection—not possessions—are the keys to a fulfilling life. Lead by example, letting your actions inspire others to follow.
This is how we prepare the next generation. This is how we create a future where they can thrive. And this is how we leave behind a legacy of hope, courage, and love. Let’s start today.
A Grand-Dude’s Legacy of Hope
As I reflect on this, I realize that the greatest gift I can give Logan is hope. Not a naive hope that ignores the challenges ahead, but a grounded, action-driven hope that says: “We can rise to this challenge. We can create a better world.”
I want Logan and Piper to look back one day and say, “My Grand-Dude didn’t just talk about making a difference—he showed me how.”
This begins with us—right now. By taking meaningful action today, we can leave behind a legacy of stewardship, compassion, and courage for our children, grandchildren, and every generation that follows.
As environmentalist Wendell Berry said, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” Let’s do everything we can to return it in better shape than we found it.
Call to Action
To all the parents, grandparents, and caregivers reading this: What will your legacy be? How will you prepare your loved ones and help shape the future they’ll inherit? Share your ideas, actions, and reflections in the comments. Together, we can awaken more people to this profound challenge—and opportunity.
This question started as a whisper in my heart this morning, but now it feels like a clarion call. For Logan and Piper, for your children and grandchildren, for all future generations—let’s answer it with courage and love.
P.S. Please join me in January 2025 as I continue to explore what we can do individually and collectively to make a difference for us now and for future generations. More to the point, I will be exploring who we need to be and the transformation in being so key to creating a new future we can all be proud of. I will be sharing a series here on Substack entitled One Cause. I think it may be the greatest challenge of my life as I move into my 4th quarter, so stay tuned.
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