Broadview writer Mark Mann’s story about the ethics of having children during the climate crisis started a huge discussion on one radio show Tuesday.

Mann joined CBC Radio One’s Ontario Today call-in show to talk about how he wrestled with the issue during his wife’s pregnancy, and where he found hope despite his fear for his child’s, and humanity’s, future.

Callers on the show had a range of opinions on the topic — from staunch opponents to parenthood to those who thought it wasn’t quite that simple.

A number of them took a big-picture approach and called for a federal leaders’ debate on the issue or increased pressure on our governments to make the issue a priority.

Two mothers said they’d found solace in connection with our planet — one said she had recently learned organic farming skills so she could teach her children, and the other said she took her infant son outside every day to foster his appreciation for nature.

A few callers had decided not to have children. Josh said he thought that reducing the human population was essential to fighting climate change.

One mother, Kate, said she considered her children’s potential carbon footprints before they were born, but has recently become more hopeful about the future.

You can listen to the full show on the CBC Radio website.

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