Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not have more than two children for environmental reasons
The prince reveals in an interview with primatologist Jane Goodall that he will have "two at the most." He acknowledges that his recent fatherhood has accentuated his concern for the environment.
In 1950 the world population numbered 2.6 billion people. In 1987 it increased to 5,000, now there are 7,700 and, according to the UN, it is expected that in 2100 it will reach 11,000 million. Overpopulation is one of the great problems of the future and reflects great differences in society: while in Europe it decreases, Africa has the highest population growth rate and China and India are the countries with the most inhabitants (they add up to 19% and the 18% of the world population). And in the midst of this debate about the sustainability problems posed by overpopulation, Prince Harry has announced that he and his wife, Meghan Markle, will have "two children at the most."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made it clear that the environment is their priority. The September issue of the British edition of Vogue magazine, guest editor Markle, highlights women who for the Duchess represent "the forces for change" today. They include environmental activists such as the young Swede Greta Thunberg - famous for her Friday strikes to raise awareness of climate change - or New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern - for whose government sustainability is a central issue. Her husband wanted to help by interviewing a pioneering scientist, the primatologist Jane Goodall. And in the course of their conversation, the son of the heir to the British Crown has hinted at his decision not to have a large family.
Two maximum! I've always thought: we are in a borrowed place. And surely, being as intelligent or as evolved as we are supposed to be, we should be able to leave something better for the next generation.
This revelation is justified in his concern for the sustainability of the planet, something that has been accentuated, he acknowledges, as a result of his recently released paternity - the son of the Dukes, Archie Harrison, was born on May 6. “[The situation] is terrifying. Especially if you just had a baby, ”Goodall tells the prince. And he answers: «I know (…) It changes everything. I think because of the people that I have met and the places that I have been fortunate enough to visit I have always felt a connection and a love for nature. I see it in a different way now, no doubt. But I've always wanted to try to make sure of that, even before having a child and expecting to have children… ».
Faced with this statement, the primatologist adds: «Not too many!», And he notes: «Two at most! I've always thought: we are in a borrowed place. And surely, being as intelligent or as evolved as we are supposed to be, we should be able to leave something better for the next generation. Then the Duke of Sussex acknowledges that humans have created this problem: “We have stolen their future (…) we have to try to give them something back. And come together to try to cure some of the damage done, and at least slow down climate change.
The responses and analysis to his comments have not been slow to reach the British press. John Vidal, a former environmental editor at The Guardian, ironically explains in the newspaper that it is a step, but that his environmental commitment should be greater: “Compared to your parents and grandparents it is a good start. But the planet doesn't respond well to your jet-set lifestyle, and two more little Sussexes adopting the ways of Mommy and Daddy isn't going to help. To make a difference on planet Earth, you and your family should stop taking those private jets to Jamaica, forget the luxury safaris to Botswana and weddings in Montego Bay. And the more tabloid press, which has long suggested that there is a rivalry between the Sussexes and the Cambridge, have not missed the occasion to emphasize that Harry's statement is a hint to his older brother, Prince William, and his wife, Kate Middleton, who already have three children.
