Climate crisis: What to consider if you’re questioning whether to have children 

Governments must act to reduce emissions so people can have an individual choice on whether to have children in the future

We are much more likely to avoid the worst climate outcomes if we mandate our governments to drastically reduce the emissions generated by industry and consumers than if we focus on changing our own individual behaviours.

The warnings about the disastrous impact we are having on our planet are becoming more dire. The UN Environment Programme’s most recent emissions gap report revealed the world is on course for a “hellish” 3C of global heating before the end of this century.

How can you plan for a family when the outlook is so bleak? A recent study, conducted by Hope Dillarstone, Laura Brown, and Elaine Flores from University College London, has reviewed existing evidence to shed light on how the climate crisis is shaping decisions about whether to have children or not.