Is it down right un-ecological to have more than one or two children?
That's what researchers at Oregon State University claim.
A study by statisticians at Oregon State University concluded that in the United States, the carbon legacy and greenhouse gas impact of an extra child is almost 20 times more important than some of the other environmentally sensitive practices people might employ their entire lives – things like driving a high mileage car, recycling, or using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
As the father of four children, I take exception to that notion, just as I object to earlier views that having "excess" children is wasteful.of resources, a drag on society, etc. Each of my four sons is smart, self-confident, respectful and considerate of others. I have complete confidence that each of them will be a net positive in any measure imaginable -- doing more good than evil, creating more value than they consume and, yes, helping make the planet greener over the course of their lives.
Our children aren't like so many Canada goslings, growing up to poop all over our parks.
As William McGurn wrote in the Wall Street Journal: "The truth is more brains will likely mean cleaner energy technologies."
- Jon Harmon
Comments