Overpopulation and its relationship to climate change is a slippery subject, one that’s often considered the elephant in the room. But with the global population at 7 billion and counting, it’s a topic that deserves a little consideration.

I've got to admit, my decision not to have children for environmental reasons isn't an entirely personal one. However, the extenuating circumstances that have led me to this choice were the catalyst that sparked my interest in exploring an option I'd never even considered – deciding against procreating completely. I was 20 when I met my partner. The thought of my very own pooping, crying protégé wasn't one that had really crossed my mind. When I learned that he was unable to have kids, it wasn't something that fazed me. If we eventually got to that point in our relationship, we'd figure something out. Now I'm almost 25, and my boyfriend and I have been together for more than four years. The prospect of children is a topic of conversation that's inevitable. Talk of sperm donors and adoption has led me to ask myself; in the age of human-induced climate change, is jumping through hoops to have children of my own something I really want to do? Now I'm almost 25, and my boyfriend and I have been together for more than four years. The prospect of children is a topic of conversation that's inevitable. Talk of sperm donors and adoption has led me to ask myself; in the age of human-induced climate change, is jumping through hoops to have children of my own something I really want to do?