How much does having a baby contribute to climate change?
Jan 22, 2024
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The podcast explores the decision of individuals to forgo having children due to climate change concerns. It discusses the environmental impact of having kids and the need for government intervention. The speakers share insights from people who delay having children until environmental action is taken and the challenges faced by child-free women. They also address criticisms, partner support, government policies, and the size of the child-free movement.
Concerns about climate change are influencing decisions about having children, with 33% of Americans aged 20 to 45 expressing worry as a reason for not starting a family.
The impact of having children on climate change is contingent on broader societal changes and policies, with personal lifestyle changes potentially having a greater impact on reducing carbon emissions than choosing not to have children.
Deep dives
Impact of Climate Change on Decision to Have Children
Many people are reconsidering having children due to concerns about climate change and its impact on the future. In a study, 33% of Americans aged 20 to 45 without children expressed worry about climate change as a reason for not starting a family. Ethical, environmental, and political concerns related to climate change are increasingly influencing decisions about having children. These concerns include the potential for extreme weather events, heatwaves, flooding, wildfires, and the availability of food and water. These considerations are seen globally, particularly in wealthier countries, but also in countries like India and the Philippines.
Personal Stories of Choosing to Be Child-Free
Individuals like the Indian couple Niramapa and Vipin have decided against having children due to their concerns about climate change. They feel that bringing a child into a world facing environmental challenges is irresponsible, considering the lack of progress in preserving the planet. Niramapa and Vipin faced resistance from their parents and societal pressure to conform to the expectation of marriage and kids. However, they believe it is their responsibility not to burden future generations with the consequences of climate change.
The Carbon Footprint of Having Children
The carbon footprint associated with having children varies depending on location and lifestyle. In high-income countries like the US and the UK, having a child may contribute more to emissions due to higher energy consumption and lifestyle choices. However, government policies and actions are pivotal in reducing emissions, regardless of population growth. Researchers suggest that other personal lifestyle changes, such as adopting vegetarianism or using public transportation, can have a greater impact on reducing carbon emissions than choosing not to have children. Overall, the impact of having children on climate change is contingent on broader societal changes and policies.
There are a growing number of people speaking out about their decision not to have children because of climate change. They worry about the environmental impact of bringing a new person into the world. But how polluting is it to have kids? And is staying childfree a good way to limit how much carbon dioxide we put into the atmosphere?
The BBC’s Georgina Rannard talks us through some research from University College London. And researcher Johannes Ackva, from the Founder’s Pledge, brings us a study he co-wrote looking at how different lifestyle choices - including flying, driving a car and having children - impact the climate. He thinks that, as governments’ net-zero pledges really start to ramp up, emissions per person will likely go down - and this could impact how polluting it is to have babies in the future.
Plus, we hear from three people who’ve decided not to have kids: Nirupama Kondayya, and husband Vipin Nair from India now living in the UK, and a woman from the US.
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Maria Clara Montoya and Mora Morrison
Editors: Emily Horler and Simon Peeks
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