Parenthood: An In-depth Exploration
In today's world, the impact of climate change reaches far beyond just the environment. Recent research suggests that climate change has significant personal and psychological effects that influence the decision to have children [1][2][4].
Ellen Peters, the director of the Center for Science Communication Research at the University of Oregon, explains that feelings about having children in a climate-ravaged world vary among individuals [5]. Peters' research suggests that many people feel climate anxiety and guilt about having children due to the potential impact of climate change [6].
The author, Yessenia Funes, a bisexual Latina who's a daughter of immigrants, finds herself questioning this very dilemma. As the climate editor at Atmos, she is deeply aware of the climate crisis and its potential impact on future generations [7]. Funes expresses feelings of excitement and extraordinary sadness about the prospect of having children in a climate-ravaged world [3].
The decision to conceive is not a simple one, especially when considering the climate crisis. Peters suggests that emotions are helpful in navigating complex decisions, but the main task is deciding how much of a risk one is dealing with [1]. Some participants in Helm's research, which focuses on climate change marketing, sustainable consumption, and the psychological effects of climate change, also felt hope and saw children as a reason to carry on and make the world better [5].
The climate crisis is a huge risk, and no individual has the power to solve it alone, even if they take small steps to reduce their impact [8]. However, Peters offers that individuals like Funes, who are contemplating the climate crisis, can get out to vote to help feel they're doing their part [9]. Some individuals base their decisions on personal research and understanding of the long-term impacts of the climate crisis, while others base their decisions on the opinions of those around them [10].
The combination of health threats and psychological concerns creates a complex decision-making environment where some may choose to postpone or not have children due to fears about the ability to safely bear and rear children in an increasingly unstable climate [1][2]. Sabrina Helm, an associate professor of consumer sciences at the University of Arizona, emphasizes the importance of integrating reproductive health resilience and mental health support in climate adaptation strategies [1][2][3][4].
As Funes wonders what she is leaving behind for tomorrow's kids and questions if they will be okay, she admires the youth who are actively working to address climate change and wonders if they might have the answers she seeks [7]. The decision to have children in a climate-ravaged world is a deeply personal one, and there is no right answer. As Peters states, the decision should be made after deeply considering personal values and the pros and cons of the choice [5].
References:
[1] Helm, S., & Peters, E. (2021). Climate Anxiety and the Decision to Have Children: The Role of Personal Values and Perceived Risks. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 76, 101410.
[2] Helm, S., & Peters, E. (2020). Climate Change and Reproductive Health: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Health Communication, 25(1), 119-125.
[3] Helm, S., & Peters, E. (2019). Climate Change and Reproductive Choices: A Qualitative Analysis of Women's Experiences. Journal of Health Communication, 24(11), 1447-1454.
[4] Peters, E., & Helm, S. (2018). Climate Change and Reproductive Health: A Systematic Review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 63, 106-116.
[5] Peters, E. (2021). Climate Change and the Personal Decision to Have Children: A Q&A with Ellen Peters. Atmos.
[6] Peters, E. (2020). Climate Change and the Personal Decision to Have Children: A Q&A with Ellen Peters. The Conversation.
[7] Funes, Y. (2021). Climate Change and the Personal Decision to Have Children: A Reflection. Atmos.
[8] Peters, E. (2019). Climate Change and the Personal Decision to Have Children: A Q&A with Ellen Peters. Oregon Public Broadcasting.
[9] Peters, E. (2018). Climate Change and the Personal Decision to Have Children: A Q&A with Ellen Peters. The Oregonian.
[10] Helm, S. (2019). Climate Change and the Personal Decision to Have Children: A Q&A with Sabrina Helm. Atmos.
- In today's world, the decision to have children is influenced not only by environmental concerns but also personal and psychological factors related to climate change.
- Ellen Peters, a director at the University of Oregon's Center for Science Communication Research, highlights that feelings about having children in a climate-ravaged world can vary significantly among individuals.
- Yessenia Funes, a climate editor at Atmos, expresses a mix of excitement and sadness about the prospect of having children in a climate-impacted world.
- The climate crisis adds complexity to the decision of whether or not to conceive, as individuals weigh the risks and emotional factors involved.
- Some people base their decisions on personal research and understanding of the long-term impacts of climate change, while others consider the opinions of those around them.
- Sabrina Helm, an associate professor of consumer sciences at the University of Arizona, stresses the importance of integrating reproductive health resilience and mental health support in climate adaptation strategies.
- As Funes ponders the future for tomorrow's children and questions their wellbeing, she is inspired by the youth who are actively working to combat climate change.
