Why Young People Fear Having Children Because Of The Climate Crisis

The current statistic for this topic is four in ten young people globally have a fear of having children as a result of the climate crisis. Reasons for this are the common belief that governments around the world are doing little to combat this issue to prevent a catastrophe. 

By the extent of this statistic, nearly six in ten young people within the age group 16-25 were extremely worried about climate change. This is according to the largest ever scientific study to be carried out In addition to this, a similar number of felt that governments were far from protecting the populations and future generations and felt betrayed by this.

''The future is frightening'' is a common statement that most agreed within this study, with more than half feeling like they would be presented with fewer opportunities than their parents. Nearly half also reported feelings of distress and anxiety about climate change and felt that it was so serious it was having an impact upon their daily lives and routines. 

This poll comprised of 10,000 people from Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, India, Nigeria, The Philippines, Portugal, the UK, and the USA. Among this group were climate activists who said their feelings of anxiety were now widespread among the youth of today. It is very common now for young people to worry much more about having children according to one climate activist. This particular activist was successful in getting the German court to force the government to re-evaluate its strategy. They commented to say that they meet a lot of young girls now who ask whether it is still ok to have children. 

Unicef earlier this month found that children and young people around the globe were hit hardest by the climate crisis with a total of 1 billion at risk from the impacts of this crisis. There are various studies into the fuller picture of climate anxiety with one psychologist noting that it suggests for the first time high levels of psychological distress in young people linked to the government's inaction. It is a rational reaction and we must do more.