Did someone get a grant for this research? I don’t know why, but this report frustrates me. I feel like it sets environmentalists back when reports like this are done.
I can see the average American now “so now I have to give up my children – are you kidding me!”
Let’s focus our efforts on getting families to change their habits not their families size.
Clearly having no children would be better and we could all adopt to limit our environmental impact.
I’m rambling because I feel like reports like this are counterproductive. I’m open to being wrong… What do you think?
Family planning: A major environmental emphasis
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Some people who are serious about wanting to reduce their “carbon footprint” on the Earth have one choice available to them that may yield a large long-term benefit – have one less child.
A study by statisticians at Oregon State University concluded that in the United States, the carbon legacy and greenhouse gas impact of an extra child is almost 20 times more important than some of the other environmentally sensitive practices people might employ their entire lives – things like driving a high mileage car, recycling, or using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
The research also makes it clear that potential carbon impacts vary dramatically across countries. The average long-term carbon impact of a child born in the U.S. – along with all of its descendants – is more than 160 times the impact of a child born in Bangladesh.
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Your link to the rest of the story isn’t working for me but it does sound like something of a “duh!” conclusion to me. I’d be curious to know how closely the study documents the environmental impact of a child – do my three children leave a smaller carbon footprint than someone elses one child? I think considering the environmental implications of having children is important – very important. But the environment was one of many things I considered in deciding to have children and the impact of my children is only one of many things I consider when I consider the effect I have on the environment.
Thank you for the tech catch! The link should work now.
I feel like there are enough battles on the green front. Resources and studies could be put to better use. Economics keep most peoples family size in check.