Source: Fortune
Summary
A recent review published in the journal NPJ Emerging Contaminants found that environmental pollutants and climate change are contributing to declining fertility rates in humans and animals. The review cited studies showing that exposure to microplastics, forever chemicals, and other pollutants can disrupt hormonal activity and reproductive processes. Climate change is also affecting fertility, with rising temperatures impacting sperm health and motility in males. The review’s authors linked the decline in fertility rates to the historic crash in global biodiversity, with the average size of wildlife populations collapsing by 73% over the past 50 years.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. Fertility rates are falling, and environmental pollutants and climate change are taking their toll. The review’s authors note that only 1% of the 140,000 synthetic chemicals registered have been sufficiently researched for their potential harm to humans. The impact of microplastics on sperm production is a concern, with studies finding that exposure leads to falling sperm counts and motility in multiple species, including humans. The authors also highlight the role of climate change in declining birth rates, citing a study that found hotter weather is associated with declining conception levels. The review’s authors warn that “chemicals, once released, don’t simply disappear,” and that they contribute to the larger issue of driving humanity towards the exceedance of planetary boundaries.
One original observation: The decline in fertility rates is not just a matter of personal choice, but also a symptom of a larger environmental crisis.
Author: Evan Null
