Emily Cunningham

I listened to AOC’s speech and I didn’t come away thinking she was blaming young people. She was terrified for the future we are creating for them. Now, that may be terrifying for a young one to listen to, but for a different reason.

Totally agree anti-birth narrative is harmful. The Right can take anything anyone says and twist it. I just honestly don't see how she's even unintentionally feeding such a narrative. *I'm* afraid of our future. Mine and future generations. But saying this doesn't mean I think 1/

that people shouldn't have children. It means we need to fight like hell against fossil fuel interests to protect our future. I think it's ok to say that we're afraid for our (and future generation's future). 2/

and the truth is that many people aren't sure they want to have children because of the kind of climate and societal chaos they'll be born into. I know many friends who feel this way and I think it's important to talk about it. These friends aren't blaming young people, 3/

I think power and positionality are key here. Yes, many people are having this kind of conversation, brought on by environmental despair. Let’s surface that.

What is the choice for me as a public scholar on climate change? This becomes a harder position to square. Why? Bc I know that my words about this crisis bear a specific kind of weight in the culture, and I must be responsible for the impact, not intent, of my words.

So, there is a trauma informed approach and lens that is really important here for public education and public comms on climate change. I don’t want to hurt people any further.