How green is your uterus? There's a thoughtful argument on Slate in favor of Americans limiting their families to one child in order to do right by the planet. The author says that in practical terms, having only one child cuts your carbon footprint in the most effective way. Of course, environmentalists have been leery of making the population control case for a number of reasons: the results of mandatory family control policies in places like China, and the fact that the birth control argument could alienate moderates or right-leaning folks who could see it as anti-life. I would guess that even the fact that some of our most eco-popular folks have big families (hi, Gores) might discourage this. But I actually think that in setting up argument and counter-argument, those who advocate for this kind of environmentalism might be missing an important factor.
While Americans might be attached to their cars and convenience, these bonds are really about pragmatism and willingness to make sacrifices. But the decision to have children is almost wholly and utterly emotional. I mean, in practical terms, it probably makes sense to have none or one--most of us generally don't worry about having enough farm laborers or progeny to run a family business. We have children because we want them (or because we get pregnant with them and don't want to take steps to terminate the pregnancy.) It's an emotional desire, and a desire like almost no other, and while many are truly passionate about protecting the environment, I would venture to guess that denying the longing for two or three kids would be more than some could bear. And I just understand that.
I only have one child, and while I'd love to say it's about environmentalism or practicality, the truth is since my kid was born, I haven't felt the longing for another. If I ever do, I'll see what happens, but honestly, I would not tell someone else to make with the one-kid family because it just doesn't feel right to me. And as I've offered before, if you've got two rugrats, you can totally have my one-kid carbon credit.
Update: Just to add a li'l more non-emission-causing fuel to the subject, here's an online discussion with the author of the Slate article.
