There are over 8 billion people in the world, and each additional person brings more carbon footprints. In this era of rising global temperatures, rampant wildfires, and deadly heatwaves, is it immoral to have children? A survey published by the Pew Research Center in July shows that many people share similar thoughts: among U.S. adults aged 18-49 who do not plan to have children, 26% say that ‘environmental concerns, including climate change,’ are the primary reason. Among those over 50 who are childless, 6% gave the same reason. Heather Houser, a professor at the University of Texas who studies reproduction and climate change, notes that discussions around children and climate change have grown significantly across all forums over the past decade. Recently, the focus of these discussions has shifted from overpopulation to ethical and philosophical questions. More and more young people have experienced extreme climate events, which are closely related to global climate change. Many are asking themselves: how can we ensure our children or families survive extreme climates? Climate change has become one of the factors Gen Z young people consider when deciding whether they want children. Gen Z understands that population growth does not directly cause climate change, but that politics, policies, and unfair consumption patterns drive it. Elizabeth Rush, author of ‘The Quickening,’ argues that having children means believing the world will change and, more importantly, committing oneself to being part of that change.
