Grappling7155'Should I even be having children?' Eco-anxiety fueled by summer of adverse weather
I’ve been thinking about this whole eco-depression and have been wondering whether it could end up saving us.
Like, it’s awful that folks don’t want to be parents, especially those who are environmentally conscious, but to be blunt about it, a higher ratio of plants vs. humans, isn’t the worst thing to happen to the climate.
Much more importantly, though, I’m hoping, it makes all those capitalists realize that their limitless growth is fucking pointless. If it culminates in an apocalypse, all their excess money and property is not worth anything.
What i dont understand is all my single/childless friends are biking to work and doing all the “environmentally friendly” things we’re supposed to do (whether it’s effective or just stoking our own egos is up for debate)
And then you have my friends who are parents of 2-4 kids and they’re doubling down on the mass consumption, SUV at costco lifestyle…
Like… Your kids are headed for the hungee games… Why are ya’ll trying to accelerate the timeline?
Yeah, I have been wondering about that, too. I’ve found these potential reasons:
Self-selection bias. If you’re optimistic enough to have kids, you’re probably more optimistic about the climate in general.
Genuinely needing things. Not an SUV, but e.g. grocery shopping without a car, when you’ve got a family, is quite a challenge.
Other things to worry about. Parents are often just trying to survive the every-day-chaos. Worrying how to save the world has a lower priority to them.
Someone to be selfish for. As an individual, I’m free to be altruistic, because it only affects me. But with a partner and/or kids, you can always buy nice things for them instead.