Consider This: Is Climate Change a Reason Not to Have Kids?

Introduction

In the August 3, 2025 episode of NPR's Consider This, host Sarah McCammon delves into the pressing question: Is climate change a reason not to have kids? As global birth rates decline, many young couples grapple with the daunting decision of starting a family in an era marked by environmental uncertainty. Through insightful discussions and expert opinions, the episode explores the intricate relationship between population trends and environmental sustainability.

Declining Birth Rates and Climate Concerns

The episode begins by highlighting the global decline in birth rates. Couples like Annie Platt and Ryan Holly from South Carolina express their fears about the planet's future, questioning whether bringing children into a warming world is a responsible choice. Similarly, Emma Brennan and Lauren Wright from Maryland worry about the long-term habitability of their city, citing concerns such as Baltimore potentially becoming submerged due to rising sea levels. In Los Angeles, Sarah and Ben Brewington cite overpopulation and environmental disasters as significant factors influencing their decision not to have children.

Expert Insights: Dean Spears

Economist Dean Spears from the University of Texas, Austin, and co-author of the book After the Population: Progress and the Case for People, offers a critical perspective on the notion that declining birth rates could mitigate climate change. At [00:29], Spears states:

"If we're in a climate crisis that is only going to get worse, accelerate. And that's something that a child would have to deal with long after. Yeah, I don't have to deal with it. It's like, well, there's."

He elaborates that while having fewer children might intuitively seem beneficial for the environment, the reality is more complex. Spears argues that depopulation is a slow process and unlikely to align with the urgent climate action timelines necessary to address environmental challenges effectively. At [04:52], he emphasizes:

"Well, yes, humans pollute, destroy and cause environmental harm. But global depopulation starting in a few decades won't solve our important climate challenges or other environmental challenges because the timing is too slow and too late."

The Complexity of Population and Environment

Sarah McCammon introduces Melissa Carney from the University of Notre Dame, who studies population trends, to underscore the multifaceted consequences of declining birth rates. Carney explains that while a smaller population might reduce certain environmental pressures, it could also lead to adverse economic and societal outcomes. The discussion highlights that depopulation alone is not a panacea for environmental issues and that comprehensive strategies are required to address climate change effectively.

Examples: China's Environmental Progress

The episode examines China's environmental trajectory as a case study. Despite a growing population, China has made significant strides in reducing particulate air pollution through stringent regulations and technological advancements. At [06:32], Spears remarks:

"China is a story in progress... In fact, particle air pollution in China fell by half. Even population grew."

This example illustrates that population growth does not inherently doom environmental efforts. Instead, effective policies and innovation can lead to substantial environmental improvements, even in the face of increasing numbers.

Societal Implications of Depopulation

Spears further explores the societal ramifications of a declining population. He argues that a smaller population could hinder innovation, reduce the availability of public goods, and strain economic systems. For instance, at [07:53], he states:

"In a depopulating future, less public goods, innovation, healthcare will be feasible, and it'll be harder to continue to make progress against poverty and disease and towards better living standards."

The discussion also touches on the unequal distribution of parenting responsibilities, particularly the disproportionate burden placed on women. Spears suggests that societal changes to make parenting more equitable could encourage more couples to have children without relying on population decline as a solution to environmental problems.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a nuanced perspective on the interplay between population dynamics and environmental sustainability. While declining birth rates may offer some environmental relief, experts like Dean Spears argue that it is not a sufficient or timely solution to the climate crisis. Instead, the focus should be on reducing per capita emissions, implementing robust policies, and fostering technological innovation to address environmental challenges head-on.

Key Takeaways:

• Population Decline is Slow: Depopulation occurs over decades, which is too slow to address the urgent timelines required for climate action.
• Comprehensive Solutions Needed: Effective climate mitigation requires reducing emissions per person and adopting sustainable technologies, not just lowering population numbers.
• Societal Structures Matter: Equitable distribution of parenting responsibilities and support systems can influence family planning decisions without solely focusing on population control.
• Case Study - China: Demonstrates that with proper regulation and technology, environmental improvements are achievable even with a growing population.

Notable Quotes:

• Dean Spears at [00:29]: "If we're in a climate crisis that is only going to get worse, accelerate. And that's something that a child would have to deal with long after."
• Dean Spears at [04:52]: "Global depopulation starting in a few decades won't solve our important climate challenges or other environmental challenges because the timing is too slow and too late."
• Dean Spears at [07:53]: "In a depopulating future, less public goods, innovation, healthcare will be feasible, and it'll be harder to continue to make progress against poverty and disease and towards better living standards."

This episode of Consider This provides a comprehensive examination of the complexities surrounding population decline and environmental sustainability, offering listeners a well-rounded understanding of why the decision to have children is intertwined with, but not solely determined by, climate considerations.