Anxiety over global warming is leading some young Americans to say they don't want children

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The Climate Conundrum Young Americans' Fear of Having Children Due to Global Warming

As concern about climate change grows, a significant number of young Americans are rethinking their decision to have children. At 27, Amanda Porretto is the average age of new mothers in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, with the increasing threat of global warming, she's reconsidering her choice to procreate.

I don't think I need to bring more people into this world when there are so many issues we need to address first, Porretto said. She's not alone in her concerns; several studies have found that younger generations of Americans are increasingly hesitant to start a family due to climate change.

A 2024 study published in The Lancet surveyed individuals aged 16-25 and found that the majority were very or extremely worried about climate change. Additionally, 52% of respondents reported being reluctant to have children because of climate change. According to a Pew Research Center report released last year, adults under 50 without children were four times more likely than those over 50 to attribute their decision not to have children to climate concerns.

The Connection Between Parenthood and Climate Change

Concerns about parenthood and climate change are intertwined, extending beyond worries about a child's well-being to encompass concern for the planet's well-being. The carbon emissions associated with having a child are substantial, with some estimates suggesting that it is the largest contributor to an individual's carbon footprint.

This isn't just about not wanting to bring more people into this world; it's about recognizing the environmental impact of procreation, said Nandita Bajaj, executive director of Population Balance, a non-profit organization focused on humans' environmental impact. Compared to the carbon emissions of all other decisions, having a child is by far, by orders of magnitude, larger.

The Taboo Topic of Population Control

Despite the significant impact that procreation has on the environment, it is often not discussed as an option for reducing one's personal contribution to global warming. Researchers who study climate change and family planning point to two reasons discussing population control is considered impolite, and there is a fear of revisiting past environmental movement mistakes.

The Consequences of Ignoring Climate Change

Ash Sanders, 43, initially knew she didn't want to have children but eventually became pregnant. She felt pressure from her Mormon upbringing and the father to keep the child. Today, she regrets her decision but feels stuck.

I feel guilty for bringing her into this world, she said. She's happy, she likes the world, and I'm a big fan. But I feel guilt all the time.

Finding Balance

Bioethics professor Travis Rieder of Johns Hopkins University has spent years studying the environmental impact of children. He is not advocating for having no children but rather finding a balance between procreation and environmental responsibility.

For me, finding that balance meant having just one child, he said. It's a deeply personal decision, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Conclusion

As the threat of climate change continues to grow, it is essential to have an open and honest conversation about its impact on our personal decisions, including those related to procreation. By acknowledging the role that procreation plays in global warming, we can begin to work towards a more sustainable future.

Keywords Climate Change, Global Warming, Procreation, Population Control, Environmental Responsibility

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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