With climate change posing an existential threat, it’s ironic that one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions is to choose not to perpetuate our species.

For the sake of the children who are born, every child should be wanted—and raised to minimize their impact on the climate. While the United States does not have the population density of some poorer countries, every person in this country—even those living in poverty—has a much larger climate footprint than people living in other parts of the world.

Plan pregnancies. Heterosexual couples, use birth control when you’re not actively trying to get pregnant—and guys, when you’ve had your kids, consider having a vasectomy.

• Be thoughtful when considering how many children to have. While there are many factors involved in such a personal decision, consider reproducing yourselves and no more. (That is, if there are two parents, have two children.)