Reversing Climate Change
334: Is Adopting Children a Climate Solution?—w/ Lauren Gifford, Brandon Bowersox-Johnson, & Chris Tolles
Feb 4, 2025
Lauren Gifford, Associate Director of the Soil Carbon Solutions Center, Brandon Bowersox-Johnson from Grassroots Carbon, and Chris Tolles, CEO of Yard Stick PBC, share their journeys as adoptive parents. They delve into the idea of adoption as a potential climate solution, discussing its ethical complexities and emotional challenges. The conversation touches on balancing parenting with climate activism, societal perceptions, and the importance of compassionate discussions surrounding adoption and family dynamics. Personal anecdotes provide insight into the joys and responsibilities of creating families through adoption.
01:17:23
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Quick takeaways
- Adoption can be seen as a complex ethical solution to climate concerns, yet it should primarily be motivated by the desire to nurture families.
- Societal perceptions often mischaracterize adoption, reducing children to symbols in a moral narrative rather than recognizing their unique identities.
Deep dives
Understanding Adoption's Complexities
Adoption is often entwined with various ethical, emotional, and societal dilemmas. Many individuals and couples choose adoption for different reasons, including the desire to expand their families without creating additional human life, or out of a sense of duty to help children in need. However, it's important to approach the topic with sensitivity, recognizing the complexities and potential misconceptions that can arise. Ultimately, understanding the motivations and implications of adoption can help foster more inclusive and thoughtful discussions surrounding the matter.
