As a disabled college student, I can't imagine thinking about kids while already dealing with the impacts of climate change. I live in Minnesota, and even in this mild climate I have noticed the summers get warmer and warmer over the past few years, which leads to intense dehydration and debilitating migraines. For those displaced by or having their livelihoods affected by climate change, I can't imagine a whole lot of energy or enthusiasm for family planning. Regardless of what scientists are able to predict as the severity of upcoming change, many effects can be felt already. Because of this, not having kids is, for me, a bygone conclusion: in many ways, living in this world already demands all the energy I can give and more, so regardless of what world I'm leaving to future generations, today's world means I don't feel capable or willing enough for parenthood.
Thanks for sharing Kaela, your perspective hits deeply. Would you be alright with me quoting part of it in my forthcoming book (and attributing to you of course)?
I want to take this class. This was a concern of mine, and still is somewhat, when I had my daughter almost two years ago. Eventually my heart convinced my head that I had the opportunity to bring good into the world by way of teaching and setting an example for my child that would have a small ripple effect. It's not as imposing as it sounds. I worry about her future every day, but isn't that what parents do?
That's very spot on Glenn! As you may be aware, Donna Haraway also writes about similar ideas for the revival of planetary health with her "make kin not babies" tagline, but has received a lot of blowback for what people perceive as an anti-natalist and overpopulation focused streak in the "not babies" part. I like your really encompassing approach.
As a disabled college student, I can't imagine thinking about kids while already dealing with the impacts of climate change. I live in Minnesota, and even in this mild climate I have noticed the summers get warmer and warmer over the past few years, which leads to intense dehydration and debilitating migraines. For those displaced by or having their livelihoods affected by climate change, I can't imagine a whole lot of energy or enthusiasm for family planning. Regardless of what scientists are able to predict as the severity of upcoming change, many effects can be felt already. Because of this, not having kids is, for me, a bygone conclusion: in many ways, living in this world already demands all the energy I can give and more, so regardless of what world I'm leaving to future generations, today's world means I don't feel capable or willing enough for parenthood.
Thanks for sharing Kaela, your perspective hits deeply. Would you be alright with me quoting part of it in my forthcoming book (and attributing to you of course)?
Of course!
I want to take this class. This was a concern of mine, and still is somewhat, when I had my daughter almost two years ago. Eventually my heart convinced my head that I had the opportunity to bring good into the world by way of teaching and setting an example for my child that would have a small ripple effect. It's not as imposing as it sounds. I worry about her future every day, but isn't that what parents do?
That's very spot on Glenn! As you may be aware, Donna Haraway also writes about similar ideas for the revival of planetary health with her "make kin not babies" tagline, but has received a lot of blowback for what people perceive as an anti-natalist and overpopulation focused streak in the "not babies" part. I like your really encompassing approach.