Climate Anxiety and Reproductive Choices: A Conversation with Jade S. Sasser

Environmental scientist and author Jade S. Sasser has shifted her focus from studying reproductive choices in the Global South to examining reproductive choices in the Global North in the context of climate change. Her latest book, “Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,” published by the University of California Press, delves into the moral, ethical, and practical considerations of bringing children into a world that is rapidly warming. Sasser’s research explores how factors such as climate anxiety, race, and socio-economic status influence individuals’ decisions to have children.

One of the key findings of Sasser’s research is that women of color are more likely to have fewer children than they desire due to concerns about climate change. This underscores the prevalence of climate anxiety among communities of color, with studies showing that Hispanic and Black Americans experience higher levels of climate change anxiety compared to their white counterparts.

Sasser’s work also highlights the importance of considering race and inequality in discussions about climate change and reproductive decisions. She emphasizes the need for more research on how climate emotions impact marginalized groups, particularly people of color and low-income communities.

In an interview with Inside Climate News, Sasser discusses the significance of her research in shedding light on the experiences of communities of color in the face of climate change. She emphasizes the resilience and strength that these communities draw from family, community, and cultural institutions in navigating the challenges posed by climate change.

Sasser’s research challenges the notion that people of color do not experience climate anxiety and underscores the importance of including diverse voices in discussions about climate change and reproductive choices. By highlighting the impact of climate emotions on marginalized groups, Sasser’s work aims to fill a gap in public awareness and encourage further research on the intersection of race, climate anxiety, and reproductive decision-making.