“More Babies, please!”
Recently, leaders of major political parties demanded this from Indian families. They cite ‘population stability’, and ‘saving Indian society ‘ as the reasons for the advocacy. Unfortunately, in return for this parenthood, they will be beaten by the hard-hitting realities of unemployment, inflation, etc.
And, most importantly, the ill effects of climate change. Today, climate change and its pernicious effects are making parenting even harder. Sadly, we vaguely hear them, research or discuss them. Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world. And, we must treat it with the greatest care!
Parents today must balance raising a child and managing their own careers and lives to become successful. From diseases to disasters, climate change is making childcare tough, anxious, and risky. A survey conducted by HP revealed that 91% of parents are concerned about climate change.
A child’s well-being is one of the prime goals of every parent. Parents make sure that the best is provided whether it is education or nourishing food. Sadly, changing climatic conditions are worsening our agro-ecosystems. And, parents will have to face the issue of the subsidised nutritional value of the foods.
This means that our food becomes low in vitamins and minerals. This weakens the public’s immunity, posing a greater risk of infectious diseases and even death. Climate change has also led to the emergence of both communicable and infectious diseases.
This puts both the parent and the kid at risk. From a disturbed home atmosphere to increased medical expenses, the effect of climate change on a family is manifold. In India, medical inflation has reached 14%, and 40 crore Indians don’t have health insurance.
This is enough to exacerbate the financial insecurity of a family and burden a nation’s quality healthcare and healthcare systems. Another worst affected sector due to global warming is agriculture. The weakening of agriculture has repercussions in society.
Decreasing crop yields and eroding farmlands reduce the household income of farming families. This can eliminate their livelihood option. To cope with it, they are forced to migrate to cities and work on meager wages.
Very often, even the child has to take up the role of a breadwinner. These incidents can lead to unsettling family issues, creating physical, mental, and social agony. At times, these poor families might even take extreme steps to escape this vicious cycle.
Climatic disasters are the bane of our planet. They destroy lives, livelihoods, and even loved ones. These events of loss can advance into lifelong trauma, grief, and pain. For a parent or a kid, the reminiscence of the calamities can affect their life badly. Recovering from such traumatic situations requires great strength and resilience.
The effect of climate change on parents doesn’t end here: fear of unemployment, the child’s future, changes in emotion, cognitive and behavioral patterns, the list is long and extensive. Neither parent nor child wishes to see each other suffer in pain due to climate change or any other reason.
Both of them wish to co-exist and thrive in an environment that is safe and sustainable. Instead of sermons from the government, parents are looking forward to constructive and extensive government welfare programs that safeguard them and their future.
Lately, the United States Public Health Service has issued an advisory involving them. Similar initiatives are needed to be recognised and adopted for a country’s future. As a first step, let us hear the agonies of our parents through a survey. After hearing their needs, let us formulate policies and programs for the betterment of the families and the development of the country. More like a National Parent Survey held in the UK.
Think about it. It is the most important thing that we will ever do.
Featured photo: Photo by Phil Nguyen
