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    In a Warming World, the Complex Choice of Parenthood

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    Hands of mother and child

    The climate crisis presents a profound moral and ethical dilemma for prospective parents, igniting a complex debate around the responsibility of bringing children into a rapidly changing world.

    The intersection of climate anxiety, racial dimensions, and the potential impact on future generations has become a focal point of this discourse.

    Jade S. Sasser, an environmental scientist at UC Riverside, spotlights these concerns in her latest book, “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question.”

    Sasser reveals a startling trend among women of color—many report they are likely to have fewer children due to climate change.

    According to Sasser, the findings from the survey highlight the significant presence of climate-related anxiety within communities of color.

    A recent Yale study revealed that Hispanic Americans were five times more prone to experiencing climate change-related anxiety compared to their white peers, while Black Americans were twice as likely to report such feelings.

    Sasser highlighted a significant discovery from her research, noting that women of color stood out as the demographic most inclined to report having fewer children than they desire due to concerns about climate change.

    “No other group in the survey expressed this sentiment,” Sasser remarked.

    Sasser aimed to emphasize the significant impact of social inequality on the challenges faced by people of color in relation to climate change and climate injustice.

    They wished to shed light on how these inequalities and climate repercussions affect the mental and emotional well-being of individuals of color, ultimately influencing their perspective on the prospect of bringing children into a world grappling with these issues.

    The gravity of climate change is echoed by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN, who starkly warns of a “catastrophic path” that could either lead to salvation or condemn humanity to a dire future.

    Climate scientists themselves are not immune to these dilemmas. As parents, they grapple with what to tell their children about the future.

    Remarkably, their responses lean towards hope and proactive engagement rather than despair.

    Jacqueline Austermann of Columbia University, for example, focuses on Earth’s enduring beauty and the importance of international cooperation and social justice in combating climate change.

    This sentiment of hope is shared by those who, despite fears, choose to start families. The act of having children can be a powerful motivator for change, inciting individuals and organizations to advocate for policies that protect the planet’s future inhabitants.

    Relevant articles:
    Who Wants to Have Children in a Warming World?, WIRED
    What Do Climate Scientists Tell Their Kids about the Future?, scientificamerican.com
    Why I chose to have children, despite the climate crisis, Save the Children UK
    Should you not have kids because of climate change? It’s complicated., Washington Post

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