Kerttu Kotakorpi and Anniina Valtonen share contrasting views on motherhood and environmental concerns in Finland

Kerttu Kotakorpi, a 37-year-old nature journalist and meteorologist, has chosen not to have children, motivated by concerns over the planet’s future. She has never felt the urge to become a parent and is particularly worried about the implications of biodiversity loss and climate change. Kotakorpi describes the fear of raising children in an uncertain environmental landscape as overwhelming, stating, “Having my own child feels too frightening because my worries would just grow too large.”

In contrast, Anniina Valtonen, 34, a presenter and meteorologist, has long dreamed of motherhood and even contemplated names for her future children during her teenage years. However, it was only through infertility treatments that her dream was realized, as she became a mother less than a year ago. Valtonen was so focused on becoming a parent during her treatments that thoughts of environmental issues did not cross her mind.

Experts weigh in on motherhood, emphasizing that personal consumption choices are what truly matter, regardless of whether one has children. Susanna Lehvävirta, director of the Sustainability Science Institute at the University of Helsinki, states, “Children are a basic human right; we must not raise consumers, but rather good community members who make sound environmental decisions.”

While deliberating on their choices, both women acknowledge societal pressures surrounding parenthood. Kotakorpi recognizes the misunderstanding around voluntary childlessness, noting that empathy tends to favor those experiencing involuntary infertility. Ultimately, both hope for a societal acceptance of diverse choices surrounding parenthood, without women feeling judged for their decisions.