The Documentary Podcast Raising children on a warming planet
Nov 22, 2025
During this engaging discussion, listeners hear from Gwynn, who argues that not having children is her most impactful contribution to fighting climate change. Maja offers her perspective as a parent of three, sharing her sustainable lifestyle choices. The conversation delves into the complexities of population versus lifestyle choices in environmental impact. Tension arises between an airline pilot and his climate-activist son, as they seek common ground while navigating their differing views on climate responsibility.
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Forest Loss Shaped A Life Choice
- Gwynn recalls childhood walks watching bulldozers erase nearby forests and animal habitats.
- That memory led her to choose sterilization to avoid bringing more people into a damaged world.
Consumption, Not Children, Drives Emissions
- Maja explains that the core problem is unsustainable lifestyles, not children themselves.
- She argues that if society changed, having children wouldn't necessarily worsen the climate crisis.
Non-Reproduction As Climate Ethics
- Gwynn argues personal reductions in consumption are insufficient if population growth continues.
- She sees choosing not to reproduce as a way to avoid worsening inevitable future harms to children.
