It's summer in Montreal. The ducks are taking a dip in the pond, the plants are in full bloom -- but for Aandrianna Jacob, it's no walk in the park. Like many others, she's worried about climate change.
What i dont understand is all my single/childless friends are biking to work and doing all the “environmentally friendly” things we’re supposed to do (whether it’s effective or just stoking our own egos is up for debate)
And then you have my friends who are parents of 2-4 kids and they’re doubling down on the mass consumption, SUV at costco lifestyle…
Like… Your kids are headed for the hunger games… Why are ya’ll trying to accelerate the timeline?
Yeah, I have been wondering about that, too. I’ve found these potential reasons:
Self-selection bias. If you’re optimistic enough to have kids, you’re probably more optimistic about the climate in general.
Genuinely needing things. Not an SUV, but e.g. grocery shopping without a car, when you’ve got a family, is quite a challenge.
Other things to worry about. Parents are often just trying to survive the every-day-chaos. Worrying how to save the world has a lower priority to them.
Someone to be selfish for. As an individual, I’m free to be altruistic, because it only affects me. But with a partner and/or kids, you can always buy nice things for them instead.
What i dont understand is all my single/childless friends are biking to work and doing all the “environmentally friendly” things we’re supposed to do (whether it’s effective or just stoking our own egos is up for debate)
And then you have my friends who are parents of 2-4 kids and they’re doubling down on the mass consumption, SUV at costco lifestyle…
Like… Your kids are headed for the hunger games… Why are ya’ll trying to accelerate the timeline?
Yeah, I have been wondering about that, too. I’ve found these potential reasons:
Self-selection bias. If you’re optimistic enough to have kids, you’re probably more optimistic about the climate in general.
Genuinely needing things. Not an SUV, but e.g. grocery shopping without a car, when you’ve got a family, is quite a challenge.
Other things to worry about. Parents are often just trying to survive the every-day-chaos. Worrying how to save the world has a lower priority to them.
Someone to be selfish for. As an individual, I’m free to be altruistic, because it only affects me. But with a partner and/or kids, you can always buy nice things for them instead.