Camila Thorndike, the climate engagement director for Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign, has expressed apprehension about having children due to the impacts of climate change.

Thorndike’s position reflects what some say is a broader trend among progressive environmentalists who are grappling with "climate anxiety" and reconsidering traditional family planning decisions, as National Review reports.

In her role with Harris’s campaign, Thorndike has emphasized the intersection of climate change and personal choices, like parenthood.

The decision to delay or forgo children based on environmental concerns is one that is growing among young progressives. Thorndike’s views align with a wider movement among millennials and Gen Z activists who are questioning whether bringing children into a world affected by climate crises is the responsible choice.

Thorndike’s Environmental Activism Rooted in Personal Concerns

Thorndike, who previously held senior roles at the climate advocacy nonprofit Rewiring America, has focused much of her career on pushing for electrification and other climate change mitigation strategies. Her work, however, has extended beyond policy into deeply personal realms.

In her interview, Thorndike explained that her hesitancy to have children stems from a desire to protect them from what she sees as an uncertain and potentially bleak future.

“It’s coming partly from a place of love for my hypothetical child,” she said, emphasizing her concern for their well-being. She questioned what kind of life her future children would lead, asking, “What of the joys and peace and goodness that make me happiest to be alive will be accessible in 20, 30, 40 years?”

Climate Anxiety Driving Family Planning Decisions

Thorndike is not alone in her concerns. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly stated in 2019 that considering climate change when deciding whether to have children is a “legitimate question.” This sentiment has since gained traction, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly concerned about the planet's future.

A February Ipsos survey found that 9% of U.S. adults aged 18-35 have delayed having children due to climate change concerns. This statistic reflects a growing movement of individuals who are rethinking parenthood as part of their response to the global climate crisis.

Studies Show the Widespread Impact of Climate Concerns

Academic research has also shown that environmental fears are influencing personal decisions. A study conducted by researchers at University College London found a clear correlation between climate change concerns and a reduced desire to have children. These findings align with Thorndike’s personal stance and suggest that climate anxiety is becoming a significant factor in shaping life choices for many young people.

The rise of “climate-aware” therapy, a niche but growing field, further highlights the mental health impacts of climate fears. This form of therapy seeks to help individuals manage the stress and anxiety associated with the worsening environmental crisis, offering psychological support to those grappling with difficult decisions, including whether to start a family.

Harris Acknowledges Climate Anxiety Among Youth

Harris, who has publicly acknowledged the influence of “climate anxiety” on young people’s life decisions, has discussed how these fears are affecting family planning. During a 2023 appearance at Reading Area Community College, she noted that young leaders have expressed concerns about whether it even makes sense to have children, given the unpredictable future of the planet.

“You know, I’ve heard young leaders talk with me about a term they’ve coined, ‘climate anxiety,’ which is fear of the future,” Harris said. She added that young people are asking difficult questions about whether they should aspire to have children or even buy a home in a world facing environmental collapse.

Environmental Concerns Continue to Influence Political Campaigns

Harris’s decision to hire Thorndike as her campaign’s climate engagement director indicates a continued commitment to addressing environmental concerns, even as Harris has taken stances against certain environmental policies, such as a fracking ban and an electric-vehicle mandate. Thorndike’s anti-natalist perspective may not be a focal point of the campaign, but her role underscores the significant influence of climate change on policy and personal choices within the progressive movement.

Despite the Harris campaign’s silence on Thorndike’s comments, the growing conversation around climate anxiety and its impact on family planning decisions is likely to remain a key issue in the broader political landscape. As more young voters express concerns about the future, candidates may find themselves addressing the mental and emotional toll that environmental crises have on the electorate.

Conclusion

The anti-natalist views expressed by Camila Thorndike, climate engagement director for Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign, reflect a larger trend among young progressives facing climate anxiety.

Thorndike’s concerns about the future of her potential children mirror the sentiments of other activists like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as academic findings showing that climate fears are influencing life decisions.

As these anxieties continue to shape personal and political discourse, the intersection of environmental policy and family planning will remain a significant topic in both campaigns and everyday life.