THINK Debate: Too Many Humans? Should We Stop Having Kids?

Should we stop having kids?

The facts

There were 1.6 billion people on the planet in 1900. Today, there are more than 7.7 billion and we’re predicted to grow to almost 10 billion by 2050. 

What does this mean for us?

While life expectancy and poverty levels have improved over the last 100 years, many are convinced population growth is incompatible with human prosperity. 

Not having children is said to be the most effective way to reduce environmental impact. As a result, people across the world are going on birth strikes - choosing not to have children until governments take action on climate change.

What do you think?

If having children is ‘the most destructive thing a person can do to the environment’ is birth striking the solution?

Guest speakers

Blythe Pepino

Blythe is a UK based recording artist, choir leader, singing teacher and part time activist. In 2018 at 33 years old, she founded the group BirthStrike after realising climate breakdown was forcing her towards a decision against having a biological family.

Robin Maynard

A longstanding and passionate supporter of the population cause, Robin has held senior positions at the Soil Association, the Forestry Commission, and Friends of the Earth, where he was responsible for 250 local Friends of the Earth groups. He has also worked as a consultant for Compassion in World Farming, among many others, including Population Matters in 2014. He has been director of Population Matters since 2017.

Tom Whyman

Tom is a philosopher and writer. He did his PhD here at University of Essex in the mid-2010s, and has also taught at University of Warwick and University of Hull. His book on hope and becoming a father, 'Infinitely Full of Hope', will be out with Repeater Books later this year.

This debate will be streamed live to our Southend Campus: GB 3.23.

This seminar is part of the THINK Series of debates.

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