Overpopulation and Child-Bearing: Should I Move to a Yurt and not Have Kids?

Like many other people in the 21^st century, I hold a tremendous amount of concern for the future of our planet and all living things on earth. Unlike our ancestors who have encouraged reproductive behaviours and have fostered a deep sense of pride in child-rearing, more and more people in younger generations are deciding not to have children. Certainly, for many people, this could be attributed to a matter of not wanting to take on the responsibility of raising children; however, according to Davis, Arnocky and Stroink (2019), the decision to not bear children could also be related to environmental concerns. According to Murtaugh and Schlax (2009; as cited by Davis, Arnocky & Stroink, 2019), each child in the United States is estimated to contribute approximately “9,441 metric tons of CO₂ to the ‘carbon heritage’ of their mothers.” From this, it can be inferred that deciding to lead a child-free life could be a smart decision in terms of engaging in environmentally conscious behaviours. Despite this and other sources of concern for the future of our planet, there is little research outside of this study that can support its’ findings, or any other relating factors that may come as a result of a child-free life.

Fortunately, Davis, Arnocky and Stroink’s (2019) study provides depth in the empirical knowledge regarding the effects on overpopulation and the environment. In their work, these researchers examined the relationship between Canadian undergraduate students and their environmental concerns, pro-environmental behaviours and reproductive attitudes. Participants consisted of 200 undergraduate psychology students, with 15.2% being male, 84.8% being female, all ranging between the ages of 18-48, with a mean age of 20.21 years-old. In the study, participants completed a series of questionnaires (Reproductive Attitudes Scale; New Ecological Paradigm Revised Scale; Environmental Concern Scale; Environmental Behaviour Scale) that assessed the previously mentioned variables. Findings from this work suggest that participants demonstrated a weak relationship between having concerns regarding human effects on the integrity of the earth, and wanting to bear children. Additionally, results indicated that participants who frequently practice pro-environmental behaviours held a negative correlation with reproductive behaviours and intentions. Finally, participants who favoured the idea of procreation were associated with having concerns regarding the consequences of environmental dissolution as it pertains to themselves, their families and their communities, as opposed to the effect it would have on plants, animals and ecosystems. To simplify, if one has strong concerns for the well-being of the environment and regularly practices eco-friendly behaviours, it is expected that they will be less likely to have children. However, if one does wish to have children, it is expected that their environmental concerns will surround the fate of their loved ones and community, as opposed to flora and fauna.

So, why does this matter? Well, the concern regarding the future of our planet and its’ inhabitants is growing at a rapid pace. This wide-spread concern not only affects reproductive patterns, but it also affects the mental health of many people. As a young person, I feel there is a looming threat of doomsday, which can be attributed to the growing amount of horrific news stories that highlight the destruction of life on earth. Not only are there an abundance of news stories, but there is undeniable evidence of climate change before my own eyes. Living in southwestern Ontario, I am used to the brutal winters that are accompanied by an abundance of snow and sub-zero temperatures. However, to my surprise, the city of London did not see a significant amount of snowfall this winter until today, January 18^th! In fact, temperatures were well above zero for much of the winter season thus far. These are only a few of the factors that impact my mental health, as well as my concern about having my own children. Furthermore, many therapists have begun to see clients come into their offices who express similar concerns to mine. Thus, this apparent doomsday-effect is demonstrating serious implications on the mental well-being of many people of all ages.

At this point, you may be thinking “Oh my gosh! This is all so horrible! What can I do?” Well, the solution does not necessarily have to be deciding to move to a yurt in the middle of a rainforest without having any children. A much simpler, realistic solution for the average person is to have fewer children, and to engage in more pro-environmental behaviours, such as recycling, taking public transit, and eating less meat. Certainly, it is an environmentally conscious decision to lead a child-free life; however, many humans, including myself, would feel unfulfilled by not bearing children. Therefore, by having less children or adopting children, we as humans can simultaneously make an attempt to fulfill both our egoistic and altruistic desires, while also engaging in pro-environmental behaviours.

Davis, A. C., Arnocky, S., & Stroink, M. (2019). The problem of overpopulation: Pro-environmental concerns and behavior predict reproductive attitudes. Ecopsychology, 11(2), 92-100. doi: 10.1089/eco.2018.0068