It's an interesting question of whether someone (e.g. my future childhood)) will produce more value than they consume.
Obviously, selfishly, my own child is inherently invaluable to me. But that kid could also grow up to make a positive change in the world, or at least make the change which leads to a positive change in the world.
On the other hand, consumption in Western countries is already and increasingly way too far in excess of what's necessary or healthy. So if my kid ends up simply getting by in life, even raising them to be "eco-conscious" wouldn't be nearly enough to offset the normal bite each person takes out of the environmental pie. And that's just trying to break even.
I'm optimistic about this and do plan on having kids, but the goal is to raise them to make a real positive change in the world, at a high level. That way the cost they incur on the world will be seen as a worthwhile investment, not a waste of resources!
Obviously, selfishly, my own child is inherently invaluable to me. But that kid could also grow up to make a positive change in the world, or at least make the change which leads to a positive change in the world.
On the other hand, consumption in Western countries is already and increasingly way too far in excess of what's necessary or healthy. So if my kid ends up simply getting by in life, even raising them to be "eco-conscious" wouldn't be nearly enough to offset the normal bite each person takes out of the environmental pie. And that's just trying to break even.
I'm optimistic about this and do plan on having kids, but the goal is to raise them to make a real positive change in the world, at a high level. That way the cost they incur on the world will be seen as a worthwhile investment, not a waste of resources!