Embodied Climate Anxiety And The Choice To Parent
May 15, 2025
Jade Sasser, an associate professor at UC Riverside and author of "Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question," discusses the profound influence of climate anxiety on family planning, particularly among Gen Z. They explore how young adults grapple with the decision to have children in a world marked by uncertainty. Sasser highlights the ethical dilemmas and emotional struggles linked to climate fears, the importance of inclusivity in these discussions, and the necessity of fostering hope and community support in navigating these tough choices.
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Jade's First Climate Anxiety
- Jade Sasser's first climate anxiety experience came during the 2020 Bobcat Fire forcing her evacuation.
- She felt panic, fear, and loneliness as others seemed unaffected outdoors amid smoky skies.
Changing Climate Anxiety Focus
- Young people worry more about the planet's impact on their kids than kids' impact on the planet.
- Climate anxiety now focuses on children's future health amid worsening environmental conditions.
Women of Color Climate Impact
- Young women of color are more likely to plan fewer kids due to climate concerns.
- They face compounded anxiety from economic, social, and environmental insecurities.
