Won’t somebody think of the climate?
Childfree people are!
How much does the climate crisis figure into your thinking about being childfree?
The climate comes up increasingly often in the stories you share with us, there’s no denying its influence. After all, the worst thing you can do in terms of environmental impact is to have children – and the best thing you can do is not. But it’s not the reason you’d deny yourself kids… is it?
The research shows that 6% of over 50s say “concerns about the environment” were a major reason they didn’t have kids, while 26% of younger folks say it’s a major reason they might not. To me, this highlights the increasing intensity of the climate crisis and our consciousness about it – and maybe also the difference between the reasons we give to justify our choices, versus what truly drives us. Some of us don’t really have a “reason” at all, being childfree is just who we are!
So when journalists come to us asking to be put in touch with someone who’s chosen not to have children because of the climate (this happens A LOT), we haven’t been able to help. For most childfree folks, it isn’t that simple – some, like Vel, have a pie chart’s worth of reasons, and the climate’s just one! The elusive person who could say “the climate is my main reason for being childfree” was starting to feel like some kind of mythical creature… 🦄
…until now! Emilie was only 7 or 8 when the state of the rainforest made her vow never to have children of her own. This decision’s also meant she could see different parts of the world and meet the people there, which no doubt has deepened her resolve. Personally, we know what it’s like to drive through Greece and see overflowing deltas now deserted, or to have passed Valencia days before devastating floods. It really changes how you think about things. But would it be enough to make you choose a childfree life, if under different circumstances you may have been a parent?
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your story here 🙏
And if, like us, your climate concerns and your childfree choice are related but not bound together, we see you. You’re doing a small part to make sure future generations have a planet to live on, and that’s the greatest gift you have to give 💝