The Kids or Childfree Podcast 43. Dr. Jade Sasser on Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question
In this conversation, Keltie interviews author and professor, Dr. Jade Sasser, about her book, 'Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question,' which explores the emotional and mental health impacts of climate change on reproductive decisions. They discuss:
- Jade's research exploring how climate anxiety is shaping young people's reproductive decision-making, including the generational differences that exist in awareness and engagement with climate change.
- Why emotional distress about climate change often intersects with other factors, including race and class.
- How climate anxiety complicates the decision to have children — and why it's essential to consider climate change when exploring the Kids or Childfree choice.
- Why, for some, having children can be an act of hope and joy, while for others, forgoing children can bring a sense of relief.
- The importance of community support when addressing climate concerns and anxiety.
- How youth activism can shift political landscapes regarding climate change.
- Jade's personal Kids or Childfree choice — and whether it has anything to do with climate change.
(0:37) Meet Jade and her book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question
(11:14) Viewpoints and approaches to climate change & the Kids or Childfree decision across generations
(16:20) Data and facts about climate change & the Kids or Childfree decision
(22:59) Key discoveries about reproductive decision-making and climate change, especially concerning race and other demographic factors
(39:40) Child as a symbol of hope vs. is it right/moral/fair to have a child
(45:15) Jade's Kids or Childfree decision
As mentioned in the show: Read Dr. Jade Sasser's book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future Listen to Jade's Podcast, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question here. You can find Jade online at jadesasserphd.com. Learn more about the Climate Mental Health Network at climatementalhealth.net. Save 30% with code UCPSAVE30 when you purchase Jade's book, Climate Anxiety and The Kid Question, from the UC Press website: www.ucpress.edu/books/climate-anxiety-and-the-kid-question/ About Dr. Jade Sasser: Dr. Jade S. Sasser is Associate Professor in the Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of California, Riverside. She received her PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work explores how environmental problems such as climate change and toxic exposures intersect with reproductive bodies, health, and rights. Her first book, On Infertile Ground: Population Control and Women's Rights in the Era of Climate Change, was published in 2018 by NYU Press and won the Emory Elliott book award. Her new book, Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question: Deciding Whether to Have Children in an Uncertain Future (2024), analyzes the relationship between climate emotions, social inequality, and reproductive anxiety in the U.S. She also has a podcast with the same name. In her free time, Sasser is a DJ at her campus radio station.
____
MORE HELP FOR YOUR KIDS OR CHILDFREE DECISION
Start Here: sign up for an upcoming WORKSHOP
🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/workshop
Join a GROUP PROGRAM
🔗 Kids or Childfree Group Program ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-program
🔗Confidently Childfree Group Intensive ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-group-intensive
Access an ON DEMAND class
🔗 Peruse the entire On Demand Collection ▸ https://www.kidsorchildfree.com/ondemand
Join one of our monthly SUPPORT SERIES sessions
🔗 Kids or Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/kids-or-childfree-support-series
🔗Confidently Childfree Support Series ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/confidently-childfree-support-series
Work with me in 1-on-1 COACHING
🔗 https://kidsorchildfree.com/coaching
FREE resources ▸ https://kidsorchildfree.com/free-resources
CONNECT ONLINE
💻 Website ▸ http://kidsorchildfree.com
📸 Instagram ▸ http://instagram.com/kidsorchildfree
⏰ Tiktok ▸ https://tiktok.com/@kidsorchildfree
📽️ YouTube ▸ https://www.youtube.com/@KidsorChildfree
👉 Brought to you by Keltie Maguire, Clarity Coach ▸ http://keltiemaguire.com
Love what you're hearing? 💕 Subscribe | Like | Comment | Share with a friend