"When I see where the world is going, it seems unfair to bring another being into it." More and more people are opting for a life without children because of climate anxiety
The number of people who consciously choose to live childfree by choice is increasing worldwide. According to a major Pew Research Center survey in 2024, 57 percent of Americans under 50 who are unlikely to ever want children cite the main reason as simply that they are not interested in parenthood. However, other factors play a significant role: 44 percent of respondents want more room for career or personal interests, 38 percent are concerned about the overall state of the world, and 26 percent cite the climate crisis specifically.
The Czech Republic is not moving in a different direction. In 2024, only 84,311 children were born in the Czech Republic. The year-on-year decline was 6.8 thousand, or about 8 percent. "The number of live births in 2024 fell significantly for the third consecutive year. The annual total of 84 311 represents a new historical low, which surpassed the previous record set in 1999, when 89 471 children were born," said Michaela Němečková from the Demographic Statistics Department of the Czech Statistical Office.
The number of first-born children (by 9%), second-born children (by 7%) and those born third and next in order (by 5%) decreased year-on-year. According to preliminary data, there will be an average of 1.37 children per woman in 2024, which is 0.1 fewer than in 2023.
Nikola, 25: Freedom without guilt
Nikola works as a freelance makeup artist and doesn't let up on her dynamic schedule. One day she's on set with filmmakers, the next she's doing makeup for dancers at the theatre. "I love the freedom. Sometimes I get up at five, other times I start in the afternoon. I know I wouldn't be able to fit a child in - and I don't want to. Not because I'm selfish. But because I know I wouldn't be happy, and the baby wouldn't be happy either."
She sees herself as a caring person. "I help my friends with their children, I teach young makeup artists, I get involved in community projects. But I give that care elsewhere. Not every woman's energy needs to be realized in motherhood."
Moreover, Nikola openly admits that she is concerned about the climate crisis. "When I see where the world is going, it seems unfair to bring another being into it. I already feel anxiety about the future - and the idea of having it compounded by the future of my child is unbearable for me."
Tomas, 30 years old: I don't want to live my life according to a script someone wrote for me
Tomáš works in a bookstore in Brno, in his free time he reads, travels, goes to the theatre and loves late-night discussions with friends over wine. "I have never felt an inner desire to be a parent. It's not that I don't like children - but I never imagined that this would be my life path," he says calmly and with detachment.
At 25, he was in a serious relationship. But his girlfriend at the time wanted a child. "We broke up amicably. But it was only then that I realised the full extent of it - that this is not a phase that I will eventually pass through. That not wanting children is a deeply ingrained part of my identity."
When she talks about her childlessness, she doesn't use words like "I refuse" or "I'm afraid of commitment." Rather, he speaks of a choice that he considers as natural and as legitimate as the opposite. "I don't want to live my life according to a script someone wrote for me. I enjoy every choice I make for myself - and this is one of them."
But family celebrations often mean a micro-battle. "My mom asks me every year when the grandkids are finally coming. I try to take it in stride, but I get tired of it. As if it's not enough that I'm living a full and responsible life."
Tereza, 33: I don't need to be fulfilled by motherhood to be whole
Tereza lives with her partner in a small house in the Highlands, where they grow their own vegetables, look after their dog and write - she articles and translations, he scripts. At first glance, life is like something cut out of a "slow living" catalogue, only without the one element many think should be there - children.
"For a long time, I assumed I would have children one day. Not so much because I longed for them, but rather because everyone around me did. Then one day I stopped and asked myself, ' Why?' And I found out that I had no real reason," she says candidly.
She and her partner had been discussing the subject for years. At first they both answered "maybe in time". But that time never came - and gradually that "maybe" turned into a clear "no". On the contrary - it allows me to live fully what I already have. We travel, take care of our niece and nephew, and have amazing friends around us. I don't need to be filled with motherhood to be whole."
Yet they notice that their childlessness is often "addressed" by those around them more than they would expect. "People say I'll get over it, that I'll regret it, that the clock is ticking. But few ask how I really feel. It's as if childlessness is a misunderstanding that needs to be corrected."
Every life has its own axis
The decision not to have children should stop being seen as a mistake, a whim or a lack of empathy. For many, it is instead the result of deep self-reflection - an assessment of their own desires, values and the mark they want to leave on the world. In a society where there is more and more talk about mental health, work-life balance, the climate crisis and the redefinition of traditional roles, it is time to start seeing childlessness as a full and legitimate choice.
This does not mean that these people lack a relationship with children, love or a sense of responsibility. It just means that they have chosen to direct their care, time and energy elsewhere - to partners, friends, communities, creative work, themselves. And it is in this diversity of life choices that the strength of a free society lies.
Whether someone chooses to be a parent or not, both paths deserve respect. What is important is that it is a free decision, not one forced by environmental pressures, family expectations or stereotypes of a "fulfilled life". Because no model is universal. And happiness doesn't come from a template - it comes from where one is comfortable.
