We’ve already built too many power plants and cars to prevent 1.5 ˚C of warming

I'm a little worried about the economic implications of something like this. Population shrinkage might lead to an economic collapse worse than any global warming problem. Government-funded sterilization also sounds like a political third rail. If it didn't take off, what would the next option be?

> Simply reverse everything many countries once did to encourage children and growing populations.

“Simply” is the most ironic formulation I can imagine, as I’m aware how many religions state as the explicit goal for their believers to have as many children as possible (and also avoid contraception). Moreover in most of the world, including developed, not having children translates in not having anybody to care for you once you’re old.

That's a pretty interesting idea. I hope you don't mind if I pelt you with a few questions; I'm curious to know more.

* How are you calculating value based on carbon emissions? I assume you are compensating according to some well-known figure for cost of negative externalities?

* Have you done any market research, and have you validated that your estimated payment can overcome the "my children are the most precious thing" issue?

* How do you verify people are not hiding their children for money?

* You mentioned this is a global program, but different people emit different amounts of carbon. Do you estimate by current per-capita emissions in the nation of the person? Do you factor in growth over time for the estimated next generation?

* Where can I read more, as I understand you probably don't want to copy-paste from wherever the information already exists and I've got a few more?

While I think this is a good approach given population pressures have major consequences (wilderness shrinkage, land use, overuse, resource depletion, desperation, etc) education is a big factor as well as opportunities for women (there are countries where underemployed women are forced to barter sex for goods). Also changing customs is important. Many men push back on condoms, though not other forms of prophylactics, so it’s important to make other birth control widely available and change perception around them.