Edwin Merino

Dear President-Elect Obama:

Congratulations for your success in becoming the next President of the United States. Your candidacy is not only historic because of the barriers it transcends, but because it comes at a time when the United States and the rest of the world is reeling from crisis. Around 62% of the country participated in the 2008 election, the highest seen in decades. More startling is the voter turnout of the youth or "millenials", who beckon for the change that you embody. One of the gravest challenges we face today comes not from terrorists, nor from the current economic situation, but from global warming. This is an issue that has unfortunately not been addressed in the last 8 years , and something that needs to be dealt with in order to secure the future of the United States and the World.

During your campaign, you promised to create green jobs across the country, to introduce a carbon cap and trade system, and to reduce emissions 80% by 2050. Action needs to be imminent. The American people, especially the youth, can't afford to waste more time with empty promises.

It is clear that there is no easy way out of our energy dependency on fossil fuels. We must change, but make sacrifices in the process. Our addiction to oil must stop, not only for economic and political reasons but for the health of the earth. To this end, we must look to not just one but several alternative energy solutions. It is necessary that you use your power and influence to promote and push the United States and even other states to solar, wind, and geothermal energy. These technologies are all readily available albeit in limited quantities. However, with the help of your government these technologies can be far reaching in a relatively short amount of time.

There are those in the government who believe that global warming is the least of our problems in the midst of the turmoil in the Middle East and our current economic crisis. Many are skeptical that the President can't enact many of his proposals in such a turbulent and uncertain time. I assure you that yes we can, and we elected you because we know that you will bring enormous improvements to our domestic and international policies. I know that you understand the worries and hopes of the new generation of Americans and our frustration over the current energy situation. It is imperative that you push the global warming issue in Congress and pass new laws including a carbon cap and trading system.