More Americans opt out of parenthood amid climate change concerns

Worries about climate change are causing some young Americans to decide not to have children, according to recent studies. University of Arizona Professor Sabrina Helm said couples are worried that having a child would contribute to overpopulation and the overconsumption of the world’s resources – adding to climate change. They also are concerned about an uncertain future. "If you are worried about what the future will look like because of climate change, obviously it will impact how you view this very important decision in your life," Helm said.

Class discussion: Would concerns about climate change keep you from having children? Why or why not? Are you worried that climate change is going to make your future worse? How can increasing the world’s population contribute to climate change? How can growing consumption of goods and services make climate change worse? Would the world and it inhabitants be better off if their were fewer people? Why do most of the world’s political leaders rarely talk about cutting population growth to reduce climate change? Does a growing population help businesses and the economy?