Young Families and Climate Anxiety
Overcoming the ‘climate baby dilemma’
to better achieve the 2030 Agenda
Wednesday, February 7th, 2024 – 1:15pm
Conference Room 5, UN Headquarters NYC
#CSOCD #IFFDBriefing #IFFDAwards
Concept Note
The United Nations’ Secretary General has recommended appropriate ways and means to better observe the 30th Anniversary of the International Year. For instance, a systematic review of mega trends and their impact on families would greatly contribute to meaningful preparations for the Anniversary. Considering these recommendations and within the framework of the Commission on Social Development in 2024 and in preparation of the World Social Summit in 2025, the International Federation for Family Development will focus its IFFD Briefing on the mega trend addressing Climate Change. [1]
In this regard, younger generations face complex and increasingly difficult challenges during their transition into adulthood such as, securing employment, adequate income and family formation. These situations have been impacting over the 21st Century total fertility rates and shaping population dynamics. Some recent studies suggest a link between family policies, fertility fluctuations affecting demographics, changes in the labor market influencing economics, and fiscal matters related to care systems [2]
This environment has led to a growing anxiety among young people about climate change and its impact on family formation decisions. The so-called “climate baby dilemma” reveals that 40% of Generation Z individuals worldwide are hesitant to have children due to concerns about the climate crisis. [3] This dilemma is showing a growing commitment among young people to environmental causes tied to their concept of transitioning into adulthood and their vision of the future. What lies beneath, is a younger generation challenging the traditional idea that economic growth is central to adulthood and happiness while questioning the model that prioritizes continuous economic expansion and its effects on the environment. In essence, their environmental commitment reflects a reevaluation of societal values and the pursuit of a more sustainable future. [4]
Following-up on the United Nations’ recognition of the impact of climate change on families [5] and debates on family formation decisions and carbon footprint, [6] there is a need for comprehensive family policies and the empowerment of young people to participate in the decision-making processes. That is why, the International Federation for Family Development (IFFD) is orchestrating a series of events aimed at soliciting the perspectives of youth as architects of their own future. [7]
Programme
Opening Remarks
Vice-president of the International Federation
for Family Development,
President of Family Enrichment USA
Interactive Discussion
Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, Department of Family Social Science
Associate Professor in Demography, Health and Society
University of Pretoria (South Africa)
Civil Society Representatives
Sonia Bruck – SOS Children Villages (Brazil)
Junzhan Wang – Great Wall Society (China)
Ana María Pesantes – DNA Foundation (Ecuador)
Sara Hernández de Monreal – DIF Zacatecas (México)
IFFD Family Awards Ceremony
Presentation and Laudatio
Vice-president of the International Federation
for Family Development,
President of Family Enrichment USA
To the Blue Tree Foundation
Republic of Korea
Acceptance and Appreciation
Chairman of The Blue Tree Foundation
Closing Remarks
The IFFD Briefing has been held at the UN Headquarters in New York for the
past 12 years during the Session of the Commission for Social Development.
The IFFD Family Awards are also presented during the event to the
persons or territories distinguished by the promotion of family values.
Oral Statement by IFFD at the Commission on 12th February about the Civil Society Declaration for the 30th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family
Intervention by the Youth Representative of IFFD at the High-Level Panel Discussion
on the 30th anniversary of the International Year of the Family
Full High-Level Panel Discussion
Congratulatory message by Ignacio Socias at the side event on the Role of Youth in Digital Transformation
organized by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea and The Blue Tree Foundation.
