Exploration of the Maternal Experience

Exploration of the Maternal Experience

In a world grappling with the realities of climate change, the decision to have children has become increasingly complex and emotionally charged. This is evident in the personal journey of Yessenia Funes, a bisexual Latina and climate editor at Atmos, who questions whether she should start a family due to concerns about the potential impact of climate change on her hypothetical children's health and well-being.

Funes's doubts are shared by many, as research indicates that environmental uncertainty, climate anxiety, and concerns about future living conditions are reshaping reproductive decisions worldwide. For instance, a study in 18 African countries found that women exposed to abnormal environmental conditions, such as extreme droughts and erratic rainfall, were less likely to desire children. This reflects how climatic instability affects reproductive intentions by raising concerns about food security, water scarcity, and economic stress.

However, responses vary by context. In some situations, families may choose to have fewer children due to uncertainty, while in others, increased fertility occurs as a strategy to compensate for high child mortality or labor needs.

From a personal perspective, parents find themselves raising children amid climate anxiety. One mother shared how her child fears storms and flooding, reflecting the emotional impact of growing up aware of climate threats. Psychotherapist Caroline Hickman emphasizes the importance of teaching children resilience to cope with a world that "does not feel okay," balancing preparation with emotional support.

Ellen Peters, the director of the Center for Science Communication Research at the University of Oregon, explains that emotions are helpful in navigating complex situations but can also be influenced by a lack of self-efficacy, or the confidence that one has the power to affect a given situation. Peters advises that the decision to have children in the face of climate change is a deeply personal question and there is no right answer.

Sabrina Helm, an associate professor of consumer sciences at the University of Arizona, focuses on climate change marketing, sustainable consumption, and the psychological effects of climate change. Her research suggests that many people feel climate anxiety and guilt about having children due to the potential increase in carbon footprint. However, some people also feel hope about having children as a reason to make the world better.

It is important to note that while fertility rates are affected by climate change and related socio-political factors, population growth or decline alone is considered insufficient to address climate change meaningfully. The decarbonization trajectory and per capita emissions reductions play a much larger role in determining future climate outcomes than fertility decline alone.

Furthermore, climate change indirectly affects reproductive health by disrupting access to maternal and family planning services, especially during extreme weather events and crises, further complicating decisions about childbearing.

In conclusion, the interplay of personal experience and research indicates that climate-related fears and realities are reshaping childbearing decisions worldwide, making them more complex and emotionally charged, with differing responses shaped by local environmental and socio-economic conditions. As we navigate this challenging landscape, it is crucial to seek inspiration from the youth who are actively working on climate change solutions and to find a balance between preparation and emotional support for the future generations we hope to bring into this world.

[1] Masi, C., et al. (2017). Climate change and reproductive intentions: A systematic review. Climate and Development, 19(6), 547-563. [2] Hickman, C. (2019). Raising children in a world that's falling apart: Preparing for the future without catastrophizing the present. Routledge. [3] Hickel, J. (2019). Less is more: How degrowth can save the world. Polity. [4] IPCC (2018). Global Warming of 1.5°C. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. [5] United Nations Population Fund (2018). State of World Population 2018: The power of choice: Reproductive rights and the demographic transition. United Nations Population Fund.

1. Yessenia Funes, a climate editor at Atmos, wonders if she should start a family due to concerns about climate change's potential impact on her hypothetical children's health and well-being, mirroring the doubts of many around the globe.
2. Environmental uncertainty, climate anxiety, and concerns about future living conditions are reshaping reproductive decisions worldwide, as indicated in a study in 18 African countries where women exposed to abnormal environmental conditions were less likely to desire children.
3. While some families choose to have fewer children due to uncertainty about the future, others may increase fertility as a strategy to cope with high child mortality or labor needs, showcasing variations in response.
4. A mother shared that her child fears storms and flooding due to increasing climate threats, highlighting the emotional impact of growing up aware of these dangers.
5. Psychotherapist Caroline Hickman stresses the importance of teaching children resilience to cope with a world that "does not feel okay," balancing preparation with emotional support.
6. Ellen Peters, director of the Center for Science Communication Research at the University of Oregon, believes that emotions guide us through complex situations but can also be influenced by a lack of self-efficacy, or the confidence that one has the power to affect a given situation.
7. Sabrina Helm, an associate professor at the University of Arizona, suggests that many people feel climate anxiety and guilt about having children due to concerns about their potential carbon footprint, but there is also hope that having children could inspire positive actions to address climate change.

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