Can Smaller Families Help 'Rewild' the Earth and Boost Human Well-being?

John Davis, a 62-year-old advocate of environmental change, consciously chose not to have children. He is associated with the Rewilding Institute, a group committed to restoring natural habitats. 'Promoting the idea of smaller family sizes is crucial, especially in wealthier societies,' he shared with NPR.

On an autumn afternoon, Davis strolled through a forest-like area in the Champlain Valley of New York, surrounded by vibrant red and yellow foliage – a habitat that seems untouched by human hands. His excitement was palpable as he spotted a ruffed grouse amidst the brush.

This landscape exemplifies Davis's vision of 'rewilding,' where the marks of human activity are gradually erased.

'It's about stepping aside and allowing nature to flourish naturally,' he elaborated. 'As late as the 1990s, this area was used for farming and logging, as evidenced by the remnants of old stone fences.'

In numerous countries, aging populations are becoming more prevalent as individuals opt to have fewer children.

Benefits of Fewer People: Choice, Environment, and Reduced Teen Pregnancies

In 2024, climate campaigners unveiled a banner critiquing over-consumption. They argue that a decline in population could reduce consumption, lower carbon emissions, and rejuvenate natural environments.

Since the 1970s, the global population has surged past 8 billion. Davis believes this rise fueled consumerism and exacerbated climate change, harming wildlife habitats.

Davis remarked, 'Children are wonderful, but by limiting family size, we can better tackle issues like species extinction, climate change, and socioeconomic disparities.'

This notion of a 'small family ethic,' endorsed by Davis and fellow activists, is increasingly resonating around the globe.

From an average of five children per woman in the 1970s, family size now hovers around two. This has already led to population reductions in nearly half of the G7 industrialized nations.

Many attribute this shift to women choosing to delay childbirth, have fewer offspring, or forgo parenthood entirely.

Marian Starkey, who opted not to have children with her partner, shared with NPR her desire to pursue other life goals, 'Like many of my friends, I have chosen a path different from parenthood.'

Starkey collaborates with Population Connection, a group that advocates for policies supporting smaller family choices and gradual population declines.

Starkey believes a less crowded planet benefits both the environment and human society. 'Smaller families allow more resources per child, enhancing education opportunities, particularly for girls,' she noted.

Economists and sociologists express concerns over this demographic change, questioning how traditional economic and social structures reliant on population growth will adapt.

Martina Yopo-Díaz, a sociologist from Chile, warns that societal systems based on constant generational renewal are at risk. 'We're realizing our old assumptions about population growth are no longer valid,' she said.

Meanwhile, other experts see this as a positive development, with potential environmental and social benefits. Harvard economist Claudia Goldin argues that choosing when and how many children to have increases happiness.

Keen on reproductive rights, advocates reject coercive measures like China's historical one-child rule, instead supporting voluntary family planning and contraception access.

Women and girls stand to gain most from these shifts. According to Vladimíra Kantorová of the United Nations, reduced teenage pregnancies represent a global achievement. 'Seeing fewer adolescent births is a notable success,' she asserted.

Still, those who oppose rapid population decrease agree that society faces significant policy hurdles, such as supporting aging demographics without a robust youth base.

Despite these challenges, Davis remains optimistic about a future with declining populations. 'If we focus our talents on solving demographic challenges, we could live better alongside nature,' he suggests.