Introduction 

Global inequality has led to a major decline in birth rates worldwide. Having children is personal and biological, but it is also shaped by a country’s structures. Two key factors linked to birth rates are access to education and climate-related fertility decrease.

Education and Birth Rates

China has seen its birth rate fall since 2022. To address this, the government began offering housing assistance, monetary support, and education benefits in 2025. The BBC reports that parents now get 3,600 yuan (about USD 500) each year for every child under age three. In 2025, China also introduced new policies for making IVF cheaper and offering better pain relief during birth. However, young people still face high living costs and low-income growth that discourage having children.

India has also experienced a significant drop in fertility rates. India’s fertility rate fell from 5.7 in 1960 to 2.0 in 2023, and it is predicted to drop to 1.29 by 2050. Cultural norms also play a huge role in countries with patriarchal backgrounds that link women’s individuality to childbirth, especially when they give birth to sons. Gender discrimination has led to sex-selective abortions, fostering the perception of girls as burdens to their families. This has resulted in millions of missing women and girls in some countries’ populations.

In many cultures, children are seen as blessings, but higher population education levels are leading to fewer births. Many women compare the benefits of a stable career and job opportunities with the challenges of raising children, and some choose not to procreate. Additionally, with education often comes empowerment and one’s increased ability to advocate for oneself. Education and family planning help women stay healthy and support economic growth. When people understand contraception and reproductive health, they can plan pregnancies safely and reduce health risks. Educated people often gain the autonomy to shape their own lives and contribute how they wish to society.

Technology also plays a role in birth rates. Digital health tools now help study fertility trends. Fertility and period-tracking apps, as well as telehealth and mobile health services, can be used by people in low-income countries. These tools improve planning around fertility. Similarly, assisted reproductive technologies, like IVF, help people have children. However, high costs limit access for many families.

Climate and Fertility Decline 

Climate change is one of the biggest global challenges. It also affects fertility. Exposure to air pollution can affect women’s hormonal balance and increase the risk of pregnancy loss. Research from the Climate Research Center in 2025 shows that higher temperatures raise health risks during pregnancy. A 1°C rise in temperature before birth increases the chance of a stillbirth by about 6 percent. Higher temperatures are also linked to a greater likelihood of preterm birth, stillbirth, and miscarriage. Air pollution, including ground-level ozone, can also harm maternal health.

Flooding is another major issue. In late fall 2025, extreme weather killed more than 1,100 people across South and Southeast Asia after devastating floods hit Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand. These floods have contributed to pregnancy losses by disrupting access to food, clean water, and healthcare. Whole families have been displaced globally by rising sea levels. Psychological stress, injuries, and environmental damage have also affected vulnerable communities. Diseases can also ravage places with damaged infrastructure. Water shortages, food insecurity, and unsafe working conditions all increase the risk of pregnancy loss.

In 2025, new reports showed that long droughts in East Africa and Central America reduced access to healthy food for pregnant women. Poor nutrition makes it harder for women to get pregnant and stay healthy during pregnancy. In places hit by drought, women often skip meals so their families can eat. This weakens their bodies and raises risks during pregnancy. Climate disasters also damage hospitals and clinics, making care harder to reach when it is needed most. Adaptation strategies such as mobile clinics, emergency food programs, temporary shelters, and community health outreach can help ensure pregnant women receive the care and nutrition they need despite environmental disruptions.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) emphasizes the importance of supporting reproductive health and addressing population challenges. Strengthening health coverage, as well as climate and social protection systems, can help improve maternal and child health outcomes. Addressing the intersection of climate change and health is also important for reducing inequalities and supporting sustainable population and development goals.

Conclusion

Global birth rates are shaped by both social and environmental factors. Education empowers individuals to make informed choices about family planning, while climate change and environmental challenges can directly impact maternal health and fertility. Policies that support reproductive health, access to education, and climate adaptation are essential for ensuring that people can make safe and informed decisions about having children while also promoting health, equality, and sustainable development worldwide. This all will help to create a safer future for the next generation.

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