Are climate change concerns related to fertility intentions and for whom? Evidence from five European countries
Abstract As awareness of climate change grows, some open questions arise: are some individuals factoring the climate crisis into their childbearing decisions, and what individual characteristics are associated with these concerns? This study explores these questions using representative data from young adults aged 18–34 (n = 5,948) in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Germany. It investigates the prevalence of climate change-related motivations for not intending to have children in the near future, distinguishing between two concerns: the environmental impact of having a child and the potential consequences of climate change on a future child’s well-being. These two concerns are further analysed in relation to socio-economic and demographic factors, as well as self-reported exposure to climate-induced natural hazards. The analysis reveals that the concern for a future child’s well-being is more widespread—shared by over half of respondents not planning a child in the next three years (55%)—and more strongly linked to life-course and economic insecurity, such as unstable employment and being female. In contrast, concern about the environmental impact of childbearing is more prevalent among students and those aged 30–34, suggesting it may stem more from reflections on sustainability and intergenerational responsibility. Both concerns are positively associated with experience of severe climate-related hazards, particularly among childless individuals. These findings suggest that environmental disruptions may play a growing role in shaping reproductive intentions and highlight the need to address different dimensions of uncertainty in family policy.
Frageri I, Zanasi F, Luppi F et al.