Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

The results of the assessment of the recent cohort in our prospective climate and behavior survey of multi-ethnic students at an urban college in the United States found that one in eleven are considering not having children because of climate change. The unpredictability of the environment and the impact an additional life will have on the planet are the primary reasons given for the climate-related decision not to have children. To be discussed are other climate-related decision-making influences including the possibility that Zika may become more of a presence in southern climes and may move northward as global temperatures rise. The risk Zika might pose on a pregnancy are considered. Ongoing analyses provide specifics concerning who within the college sample believes climate is a critical issue in family planning. Societal impacts are considered.