by Dr. Leon F. Bouvier
Dr. Bouvier illustrates several population scenarios by manipulating fertility, mortality, and migration (the demographic variables) in various ways. The bottom line is positive: if we are patient, if we have the courage to adjust these demographic variables, especially immigration, then the United States can attain a smaller total population without enormous age bulges—in other words, the United States can become a true stationary population.
Dr. Leon Bouvier provides an indepth dissection of results from a recent Roper Poll detailing American's perceptions on population growth. Results included in the report detail American's beliefs about community size, population policy and immigration levels to the United States.
This intriguing piece takes a look at the beginnings of America's concern with overpopulation, and our surprising lack of a national population policy today. The first section describes the unfortunate abandonment of congressional support for changes deemed necessary by the Rockefeller Commission 25 years ago including President Nixon's dismissing of the Commission's recommendations even though the Commission had concluded that "no substantial benefits would result from continued growth of the nation's population."
The second half of the piece asks, "Would life be better now had the Commission's recommendations been adopted? And will life be worse in the future because we dismissed the Commission's goals?" The conclusion outlines a plan for America to gradually reduce our vast numbers, and strive for implementation of the policies that for decades have been recognized as vital to our country's future.
Compiled by NPG, this listing details the official population and migration positions of 29 national environmental and population organizations such as the Sierra Club, National Audubon Society, The Wilderness Society and Zero Population Growth. Contact information for each organization is included as well.
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