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?
Totally agree with your conclusion Matthew. In my book Earth Emotions (2019) I concluded: "Population control in the Symbiocene then becomes easier to see as a sumbiosic solution to the twin problems of over-consumption and too many people. Many in Generation S will decide not to have children, while others will voluntarily keep reproduction to replacement level only (maximum of two children per couple). This commitment will override religious and other factors that generate population growth beyond the carrying capacity of sumbioregions and, ultimately, the planet. The sharing of the socialization of children will become commonplace and these sumbio-literate children will be vital to the future of the Symbiocene. As parents educating for all life, Gen S adults will play a huge role in the education of the next generations. This work will be highly valued in the Symbiocene."
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?
Totally agree with your conclusion Matthew. In my book Earth Emotions (2019) I concluded: "Population control in the Symbiocene then becomes easier to see as a sumbiosic solution to the twin problems of over-consumption and too many people. Many in Generation S will decide not to have children, while others will voluntarily keep reproduction to replacement level only (maximum of two children per couple). This commitment will override religious and other factors that generate population growth beyond the carrying capacity of sumbioregions and, ultimately, the planet. The sharing of the socialization of children will become commonplace and these sumbio-literate children will be vital to the future of the Symbiocene. As parents educating for all life, Gen S adults will play a huge role in the education of the next generations. This work will be highly valued in the Symbiocene."
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.
Thanks Britt, my Blog post says just a little more on the critical importance of having Symbiocene babies: https://glennaalbrecht.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/children-in-the-symbiocene/