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The Conceivable Future: Planning Families and Taking Action in the Age of Climate Change
Explore the ways in which the climate crisis is affects our personal decisions about family planning, parenting, and political action. In The Conceivable Future, authors Meghan Elizabeth Kallman and Josephine Ferorelli explore the ways in which the climate crisis is affecting our personal decisions about family planning, parenting, and political action. This book offers fresh, timely answers to questions such How do I decide to have a baby when there's the threat of environmental collapse? How do I parent a child in the middle of the climate crisis? What can I actually do to help stop global warming?
Drawing from their decade of work with the organization Conceivable Future, Kallman, a sociologist and Rhode Island State Senator, and Ferorelli, an activist and former Climate Bureau editor, offers both informed perspective and practical steps for taking meaningful action in combating the climate crisis, while also making smart, balanced decisions when it comes to starting and maintaining a family.
First, The Conceivable Future explores what the real threats are to reproductive, gestational, and infant health ( it's inequality, heat, and fossil fueled pollution), and debunks the myths of personal carbon footprint, and the harmful legacy of population control. The authors examine the successes and impediments of women-led movements around the world, and share what they've learned through ten years of organizing to bring attention to the reproductive crisis that is climate change.
Finally the book looks at what can be done about the climate crisis today. By taking these steps, we can both understand the crisis on its own terms, and stay rooted in the human scale, where our lives retain their full meaning.
The Conceivable Future is a must-read for all who want to make a difference in the world--and secure a sustainable future for all our families.
Drawing from their decade of work with the organization Conceivable Future, Kallman, a sociologist and Rhode Island State Senator, and Ferorelli, an activist and former Climate Bureau editor, offers both informed perspective and practical steps for taking meaningful action in combating the climate crisis, while also making smart, balanced decisions when it comes to starting and maintaining a family.
First, The Conceivable Future explores what the real threats are to reproductive, gestational, and infant health ( it's inequality, heat, and fossil fueled pollution), and debunks the myths of personal carbon footprint, and the harmful legacy of population control. The authors examine the successes and impediments of women-led movements around the world, and share what they've learned through ten years of organizing to bring attention to the reproductive crisis that is climate change.
Finally the book looks at what can be done about the climate crisis today. By taking these steps, we can both understand the crisis on its own terms, and stay rooted in the human scale, where our lives retain their full meaning.
The Conceivable Future is a must-read for all who want to make a difference in the world--and secure a sustainable future for all our families.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published February 6, 2024
15 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 20, 2024
A chimeric combination of exploration of family structures and decision-making alongside climate and environmental justice activism, this offering to the movement is really about meeting people where they are in climate anxiety/grief and offering tools for how we grapple and organize for ourselves and our planet in crisis. The authors bring many voices and examples to highlight connections to racial and reproductive justice, strategies for direct action and community organizing, a useful Big Yes/Big No framework, and a reminder that politics is what we do. Loved seeing quotes and references to people I know!
October 23, 2024
This wonderful book is a thought-provoking investigation of climate change - how we think about it, how it intersects with our reproductive choices, and how we can take action. It succeeds equally in investigating the philosophical and the practical, ending with a pragmatic guide on planning action in one's own life. The book is suffused with a big-hearted sense of humanity as it emphasizes collective work over individual choices. It's like a no-nonsense friend guiding you through the thorniest of life's problems.
February 28, 2024
Such a wise and refreshing perspective on a paralyzing question. Thank you to these rooted, humane authors.
December 22, 2025
Enough peptalk to get moving on, but don't stop here if you want more. I'd recommend it as a panacea for climate doomers, or an olive branch+seed for climate "boomers". P.S. also had a good time reading some of it on the train. A sweet old lady chatted me up, recounting bleak sentiments from her climate scientist friend since the 70s and her excitement to visit chosen family for Thanksgiving.
The book spans quick hits across reproductive history and sociology, how to talk about "carbon privilege" across generations, various self help and empathetic lenses to navigating climate grief and denial, and extensive systems to convert climate anxieties into action. All in all, a net good and a great book to have on reference for pragmatic activism. Instead of living with one foot in the grave, better to feel inspired and be a part of community resilience. Favorite anecdote as an introvert partial to 1:1 connections: a climate anxiety counseling booth (Schapira, 2013).
I love books like this, off-the-shelf teachers to learn from and bicker against. Five stars for a very specific but widely-applicable purpose, 2 rants below over 1.5/2/3.5 type thresholds.
_______________________________________________
1. the so-called "3.5% protest rule"
- Pg 109: "Chenoweth found that nonviolent direct action campaigns are twice as likely to achieve their goals as violent campaigns. In case study after study, in any political context, the magic number was 3.5 percent. It only takes around 3.5 percent of the population actively participating in protest to ensure serious political change, even regime change...This is a heavy but doable lift. This is a meetable challenge." Or worse you might've seen it inaccurately through the social media telephone game as -- "3.5% protest rule is a concept in political science suggesting that if 3.5% of a population is mobilized in sustained, non-violent protest, it becomes nearly impossible for a regime to ignore their demands for major political change"
- Will expound here because this stat often benefits from more context (Chenoweth 2008 study and 2011 book, “Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict”). The study muses upfront that nonviolent direct action (NVDA) may achieve more than violent means, by keeping a legitimate seat at the negotiation table. The rate of success through nonviolent action vs violent ones was more likely, especially if taking the high road against "violent regime crackdown", combined with "security force defection" and other loyalty shifts. IMO for nonviolent action to still be a possibility, means that the container undergoing "negotiation" maintains legitimacy and possibility. Some case study examples involved protestors sitting on a jugular or playing chicken with a weakened oppressor.
- The 3.5% rule has been popping up everywhere to motivate NVDA. The real piece of work is not the shocking number, but the "NVDA" -- to demonstrate collective power outside of the constipated/compromised realms of political/economic negotiations. After voting and "voting with your dollars," consider if you've made pleas to amplify important "signals" while knowing that we're far from the end. **un petit crashout**
2. the institutional climate change action that the US withdrew from anyways:
- The "1.5 degrees Celsius" warming limit is refined from a legacy of ECONOMIST VIBES, not climate science. William Nordhaus et al had been fiddling with models and thresholds since the 1970s, were recognized with headpats from the Nobel Prize committee in 2018 for establishing such a reasonable, maneuverable premise such as a carbon budget. In paraphrase, these economists think that the growth of global economies can still continue after accepting a +1.5C increase. Forget actual greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations, climate devastation events, risk of future crop failures, the mere concept of wet-bulb temperature, the current weakening and impending collapse of the Atlantic Meridonial Overturning Circulation (AMOC), current policies that put us track to reach +3.1C by 2100, and multiple tipping point interplays that I can barely keep track of as an amateur (Ripple 2025, "The 2025 state of the climate report: a planet on the brink"). Forget the new discoveries that crop up daily as we use the tool of "Science" to grope for the shape of reality. This authoritative number belongs on Santa's list, and in 2024 we blasted right past it then asked for more.
- The leaders of 2025 have taken a more minimalist approach. The only things we keep on the dashboard of THIS crazybus are AI dreams and bunker towns. We can't save everyone but we can save certain ones. We're gonna revolutionize work through mass depopulation of employment (I mean, prepare for mass depopulation and its replacements)! We're gonna terraform arable Earth land/air/water into the surface of Venus with the power of data centers, because reality should be the opposite of all our science fantasies. Lets upload the entire Earth into the afterlife, in bits and pieces, then finally ourselves.
- The scientific outlook since the 1970s has always been, and continues to be, much bleaker. But good luck telling a bunch of money-addicts that we all need to stop/drop/ and quit erasing the very fabric of our reality (aka, "the Earth's natural resources"). Meanwhile the 2-point or 1.5-point global warming targets have been enshrined into international policy, because this is all just one big game and money counts more for our final tally in heaven. /s **la crashout majeure**
The book spans quick hits across reproductive history and sociology, how to talk about "carbon privilege" across generations, various self help and empathetic lenses to navigating climate grief and denial, and extensive systems to convert climate anxieties into action. All in all, a net good and a great book to have on reference for pragmatic activism. Instead of living with one foot in the grave, better to feel inspired and be a part of community resilience. Favorite anecdote as an introvert partial to 1:1 connections: a climate anxiety counseling booth (Schapira, 2013).
I love books like this, off-the-shelf teachers to learn from and bicker against. Five stars for a very specific but widely-applicable purpose, 2 rants below over 1.5/2/3.5 type thresholds.
_______________________________________________
1. the so-called "3.5% protest rule"
- Pg 109: "Chenoweth found that nonviolent direct action campaigns are twice as likely to achieve their goals as violent campaigns. In case study after study, in any political context, the magic number was 3.5 percent. It only takes around 3.5 percent of the population actively participating in protest to ensure serious political change, even regime change...This is a heavy but doable lift. This is a meetable challenge." Or worse you might've seen it inaccurately through the social media telephone game as -- "3.5% protest rule is a concept in political science suggesting that if 3.5% of a population is mobilized in sustained, non-violent protest, it becomes nearly impossible for a regime to ignore their demands for major political change"
- Will expound here because this stat often benefits from more context (Chenoweth 2008 study and 2011 book, “Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict”). The study muses upfront that nonviolent direct action (NVDA) may achieve more than violent means, by keeping a legitimate seat at the negotiation table. The rate of success through nonviolent action vs violent ones was more likely, especially if taking the high road against "violent regime crackdown", combined with "security force defection" and other loyalty shifts. IMO for nonviolent action to still be a possibility, means that the container undergoing "negotiation" maintains legitimacy and possibility. Some case study examples involved protestors sitting on a jugular or playing chicken with a weakened oppressor.
- The 3.5% rule has been popping up everywhere to motivate NVDA. The real piece of work is not the shocking number, but the "NVDA" -- to demonstrate collective power outside of the constipated/compromised realms of political/economic negotiations. After voting and "voting with your dollars," consider if you've made pleas to amplify important "signals" while knowing that we're far from the end. **un petit crashout**
2. the institutional climate change action that the US withdrew from anyways:
- The "1.5 degrees Celsius" warming limit is refined from a legacy of ECONOMIST VIBES, not climate science. William Nordhaus et al had been fiddling with models and thresholds since the 1970s, were recognized with headpats from the Nobel Prize committee in 2018 for establishing such a reasonable, maneuverable premise such as a carbon budget. In paraphrase, these economists think that the growth of global economies can still continue after accepting a +1.5C increase. Forget actual greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations, climate devastation events, risk of future crop failures, the mere concept of wet-bulb temperature, the current weakening and impending collapse of the Atlantic Meridonial Overturning Circulation (AMOC), current policies that put us track to reach +3.1C by 2100, and multiple tipping point interplays that I can barely keep track of as an amateur (Ripple 2025, "The 2025 state of the climate report: a planet on the brink"). Forget the new discoveries that crop up daily as we use the tool of "Science" to grope for the shape of reality. This authoritative number belongs on Santa's list, and in 2024 we blasted right past it then asked for more.
- The leaders of 2025 have taken a more minimalist approach. The only things we keep on the dashboard of THIS crazybus are AI dreams and bunker towns. We can't save everyone but we can save certain ones. We're gonna revolutionize work through mass depopulation of employment (I mean, prepare for mass depopulation and its replacements)! We're gonna terraform arable Earth land/air/water into the surface of Venus with the power of data centers, because reality should be the opposite of all our science fantasies. Lets upload the entire Earth into the afterlife, in bits and pieces, then finally ourselves.
- The scientific outlook since the 1970s has always been, and continues to be, much bleaker. But good luck telling a bunch of money-addicts that we all need to stop/drop/ and quit erasing the very fabric of our reality (aka, "the Earth's natural resources"). Meanwhile the 2-point or 1.5-point global warming targets have been enshrined into international policy, because this is all just one big game and money counts more for our final tally in heaven. /s **la crashout majeure**
February 21, 2024
Full review at: https://readingourshelves.wordpress.c...
The two authors here began this project a decade ago, out of their own anxiety over bringing more humans onto a deteriorating planet. Their organization was really groups of people with similar frustrations, getting together and “talking it out.” The idea was to help people become clearer on their own decisions, and not to push one decision as “right.” (As in, different participants may walk away more persuaded to have kids of their own, not have kids, or maybe consider other options.)
The first half of this book (or so) talks a lot about families: what makes a family, why we need to embrace different kinds of family units, and how people come to make decisions on whether or not to have their own children. The authors explore many different topics within this scope, from polyamory to adoption! And of course, reproductive rights (lower case) and Reproductive Justice (an official movement in its own right).
This book, throughout its many ideas, does consistently put forth that individual decisions, while important to our daily lives, do not “move the needle” on climate change nearly enough. While some of us may feel guilt at increasing the population, or driving a gas-fueled car, or whatever… ultimately, it’s systems that need changing. The authors urge us to remember that.
The back half is more about climate activism, and activism in general: how to get involved, how people with various talents can contribute in different ways, etc.
I found these ideas interesting, and felt that I learned a lot from reading this book. But this book is dense, and loaded with jargon. It is not a “light” read.
Whether you are interested in having kids or not, there is a lot in here for someone interested in activism – both climate and social, and the intersection of those. There is also a lot about women’s rights, of course, as they are (generally) the ones carrying babies. This book is a treasure trove of names – both of individuals and organizations – that deal with these topics. I know that I kept stopping to look up the organizations they mention! For that, I would recommend it to people interested in these sorts of things.
The two authors here began this project a decade ago, out of their own anxiety over bringing more humans onto a deteriorating planet. Their organization was really groups of people with similar frustrations, getting together and “talking it out.” The idea was to help people become clearer on their own decisions, and not to push one decision as “right.” (As in, different participants may walk away more persuaded to have kids of their own, not have kids, or maybe consider other options.)
The first half of this book (or so) talks a lot about families: what makes a family, why we need to embrace different kinds of family units, and how people come to make decisions on whether or not to have their own children. The authors explore many different topics within this scope, from polyamory to adoption! And of course, reproductive rights (lower case) and Reproductive Justice (an official movement in its own right).
This book, throughout its many ideas, does consistently put forth that individual decisions, while important to our daily lives, do not “move the needle” on climate change nearly enough. While some of us may feel guilt at increasing the population, or driving a gas-fueled car, or whatever… ultimately, it’s systems that need changing. The authors urge us to remember that.
The back half is more about climate activism, and activism in general: how to get involved, how people with various talents can contribute in different ways, etc.
I found these ideas interesting, and felt that I learned a lot from reading this book. But this book is dense, and loaded with jargon. It is not a “light” read.
Whether you are interested in having kids or not, there is a lot in here for someone interested in activism – both climate and social, and the intersection of those. There is also a lot about women’s rights, of course, as they are (generally) the ones carrying babies. This book is a treasure trove of names – both of individuals and organizations – that deal with these topics. I know that I kept stopping to look up the organizations they mention! For that, I would recommend it to people interested in these sorts of things.
February 2, 2024
The Conceivable Future takes on climate change activism from the point of view of those who reproduce using the lens of reproduction to organize around the climate crisis. Meghan Kallman and Josephine Feroelli team up to explore how climate change affects those who reproduce, family planning as well as children who will grow up in a world experiencing a constant climate crisis. They also present information on how to actually be an activist and what actions you can take to make a difference.
Written from the heart, The Conceivable Future includes many personal statements and stories from members. Presented as a women led movement, feelings about climate change are discussed as well as the decisions women make surrounding their reproductive choices. I enjoyed these insights the most, they were thoughtful, impactful and very relatable. I liked that they took the stigma off of one person's decision to reproduce having an irrevocable impact contributing to the climate crisis. The Conceivable Future paints a big picture of the issue to move readers from avoidance and worry to engagement and action. I felt very connected to all of the discussions throughout the book as women shared very different experiences and perspectives.
Written from the heart, The Conceivable Future includes many personal statements and stories from members. Presented as a women led movement, feelings about climate change are discussed as well as the decisions women make surrounding their reproductive choices. I enjoyed these insights the most, they were thoughtful, impactful and very relatable. I liked that they took the stigma off of one person's decision to reproduce having an irrevocable impact contributing to the climate crisis. The Conceivable Future paints a big picture of the issue to move readers from avoidance and worry to engagement and action. I felt very connected to all of the discussions throughout the book as women shared very different experiences and perspectives.
January 4, 2026
Chapters 1 and 2 were excellent for answering my questions, while the rest were a slog to get through / had nothing new for me / weren't as convincing.
The helpful takeaways for me are:
* Don't get bogged down on individual choices, as it won't have a large impact. Instead, focus on collective action.
* No individual is big enough to hack the global warming problem on their own, and one baby isn't going to fix or hurt global warming / the planet. This was helpful to alleviate any guilt.
* It's so easy to lose track of the bigger picture (corporate America, consumerism) and to look down on others.
* We need to view our emissions as a collective, social project; blame fossil fuel producers rather than users.
* I wish this this book created groups in communities, similar to what the LeanIn book did.
* Political action makes changes. It only takes 3.5% of the population actively participating in protest to ensure political change
The helpful takeaways for me are:
* Don't get bogged down on individual choices, as it won't have a large impact. Instead, focus on collective action.
* No individual is big enough to hack the global warming problem on their own, and one baby isn't going to fix or hurt global warming / the planet. This was helpful to alleviate any guilt.
* It's so easy to lose track of the bigger picture (corporate America, consumerism) and to look down on others.
* We need to view our emissions as a collective, social project; blame fossil fuel producers rather than users.
* I wish this this book created groups in communities, similar to what the LeanIn book did.
* Political action makes changes. It only takes 3.5% of the population actively participating in protest to ensure political change
May 17, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It was a little different from what I was expecting, but still valuable. Focused more on the “how” than the what. Still, very important concepts were reinforced like the inclusivity in activism, recognizing where true blame lies for climate change and setting facts right against the truth-bending propaganda propagated by the fossil-fuel industry. Overall a good read, bittersweet at moment, but full of hope.
March 15, 2024
This is a refreshing discussion of the specter of climate change and how we can actively construct the future we want with those around us. The authors use the reproductive lens to humanize, find common ground to big questions, and give readers manageable and concrete ways to organize. I'll use this book forever onward to take action.
February 3, 2025
The perfect antidote to hopelessness and a must-read for 2025! Kallman and Ferorelli are clear-eyed, helpful, and practical in both their explication of the problems facing anyone concerned about climate change today and of the viable solutions.
July 11, 2024
I would give this book six stars if I could. It’s incredibly important, timely, brilliant, and actually enjoyable despite the challenging topic. Highly recommend.
August 10, 2025
Suggested title for this book: “How to Become a Millennial Climate Organizer.” Lots of great climate action content in here; also not what I came for with the title & description.
December 14, 2024
I need to read this again but it reminded me that hope is always worthwhile and in order to do the work you have to believe that there will be a future to work towards.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews