Climate Anxiety and Parenthood
Many young adults today are wrestling with the morality of bringing children into a world plagued by climate change. Concerns about the environment are leading some to question whether it’s ethical to have kids. This sentiment is echoed by an array of individuals from different backgrounds.
One Native American woman shared her internal conflict, explaining that, “With climate change, we’re the driving force of things breaking down.” This highlights a broader trend among younger generations who are increasingly aware of their environmental impact.
Jade S. Sasser, a professor at UC Riverside, has been delving into these feelings through her research and podcast, “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question.” The podcast provides a platform for young adults to voice their concerns.
For these individuals, the idea of starting a family is intertwined with the larger, more daunting issue of climate change. They are left wondering if it is morally acceptable to bring new lives into an uncertain future.
Struggles of Mixed-Race and Queer Communities
Concerns aren’t limited to climate change alone. A 23-year-old Mexican American woman, part of a friend circle of queer and transgender artists, worries about the future her hypothetical child might face. These anxieties are shared by many in the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition to climate fears, there are significant issues surrounding mental health and fertility. Many feel incapable of adequately caring for themselves, let alone a child, due to these pressures.
Juliana, facing these compounded challenges, wonders how she could possibly provide a stable environment for a child. She and her friends also struggle with accessing reproductive technologies.
Moreover, Sasser’s interviews reveal that these young adults have a deep understanding of climate change, often more so than the general population:
- They’ve taken environmental studies courses.
- They are college-educated.
- They often reside in areas heavily impacted by climate issues.
Generational Views on Sustainability
Elena, from a Salvadoran immigrant family, voices her reluctance to have children, citing sustainability concerns. Her environmental studies courses shaped her view that having kids is not a sustainable choice.
She fears her children would grow up in a world drastically altered by sea level rise and unpredictable weather patterns. This sense of impending doom is a common thread among many young people today.
Even familial experiences, such as her sister’s recent childbirth, bring about mixed feelings. Elena questions why anyone would willingly subject a child to a potentially grim future.
Her perspective is emblematic of a broader generational shift. The younger generation is increasingly prioritizing environmental sustainability over traditional family structures.
The Impact of Racism on Parenthood Decisions
Racial concerns also play a significant role in the decision to have children. Rosalind, a 38-year-old Black woman living in Southern California, cites racism and police violence as her primary deterrents.
She describes the constant stress her friends endure, particularly those with teenage boys. The fear of racial violence is a heavy burden that influences her decision not to have children.
Rosalind’s experience illustrates the intersection of race and parenthood. For many people of color, the risks of raising children in a racially charged environment are too great.
These compounded fears – both environmental and racial – are leading many young adults to reconsider traditional notions of family and parenthood.
Rosie
How can we address these fears and make the world a better place for future generations?
matthew5
This is a great article. We need more discussions like this to understand the pressures on younger generations.
caroline_empress
So, are millennials and Gen Z basically saying they’d rather save the planet than have kids? 😅
oliver9
Honestly, the focus on climate change is warranted, but what about the economic challenges young people face?
joshua
Is anyone else surprised by how much climate change is affecting these decisions? I had no idea it was this impactful!
Jack0
Wow, this is quite an eye-opener! Thanks for the deep dive into such a pressing topic. 🌍