San Francisco is the most childless major city in the U.S.

To each their own of course. But the benefit of having and raising children can only be fully understood by experiencing it firsthand. And then when someone pulls out the "destroying the planet" card on you, you realize just how shallow their perspective in life is. I know it's not for everyone. But, there is nothing more beautiful, more worthwhile, more difficult, or more fulfilling to me than my children. If everyone stopped having children, society would completely fall apart. Both due to population decline, and a populace that is overly selfish from never knowing what it's like to dedicate their whole life to the development of another, with a mutual love so deep that everything else seems meaningless in comparison.

>Personally I am capable of self improvement without adding another hungry mouth to an already dying planet.

Respectfully you will never be capable of loving someone as unconditionally as a parent loves their child. The love you bear for your partner, or sibilings, or parents is nothing in comparison to that for your own creation.

Given that lifespans continue to increase you will likely lose the ability to take care of yourself long before you die. Your children serve an additional purpose in that the love and care you gave them is returned when you need it most.

I will never understand those who choose not to have their own kids, particularly the people who act as though kids become a blockade to their happiness. I have witnessed no greater joy than a parent watching their child grow. I pity anyone who has excluded themselves from that, honestly.

Enjoy being all alone in the retirement home with no "hungry mouths" to visit you. But at least you will have had plenty of self improvement!