World Population Growth

To whom it may concern,

The primary driver of change in this country is population growth (natural and immigration). As the United States continues to grow demographically, every aspect of our lives will continue to evolve and change. These changes are both positive and negative. But like the world, the United States does have a specific carrying capacity, and in many areas, like Los Angeles and Phoenix, it has already exceeded that threshold. Importing over 60 percent of a region's water needs is not sustainable. A growing population requires more resources and space. It creates more waste and pollution. A growing population also diminishes the value of a single vote, diluting our democracy. However, a larger population also fosters greater diversity, specialization and interaction. This all expands tolerance, understanding and knowledge. A growing population also forces change through adaptation. As the population grows, so must the services, programs, and governance that serve that population. This begins to add layer upon layer of complexity and the expanding bureaucracy breeds mediocrity and inefficiencies. Population growth in the third world use to be foreign policy, but now it is rarely a topic of discussion. With clear connections to the economy, climate change and consumption, will population growth again become a major policy issue for the United States and the world?

GUNNAR HAND, AICP