Why Climate Change is Driving Some to Skip Having Kids A new study finds that overconsumption, overpopulation and uncertainty about the future are among the top concerns of those who say climate change is affecting their reproductive decision-making.
For a growing number of people, climate change is also being added to the list of considerations, says a University of Arizona researcher.
They started by analyzing online comments posted in response to news articles written about the growing trend of people forgoing having children due to climate change concerns.
They then sought out adults ages 18 to 35 who said climate change plays an important role in their reproductive decision-making.
Interviewees and online commenters also frequently expressed a sense of doom about the future if climate change continues unchecked.
Others expressed hope that future generations could contribute to environmental improvement by increasing climate change awareness and action.
"Many people now are severely affected in terms of mental health with regard to climate change concerns," she said. »