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flamboyant · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 1881

U.S. population to top 300 million this month
Mon Oct 2, 2006 10:44 AM ET

By Deborah Zabarenko, Environment Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some time this month, the number of Americans will surpass 300 million, a milestone that raises environmental impact questions for the only major industrial nation whose population is increasing substantially.

The U.S. Census Bureau predicts the 300 million mark will be reached in mid-October, 39 years after U.S. population topped 200 million and 91 years after it exceeded 100 million.

This will make the United States No. 3 in population in the world, after China and India.

Most of the growth is taking place in the South and West, according to the Census Bureau. From 2004 to 2005, U.S. population had a natural increase -- births minus deaths -- of 1.7 million and international migration of 1 million.

Whether the 300 millionth U.S. person is added by immigration or by being born in the United States, the expected absolute number of Americans prompted a report by the non-profit Center for Environment and Population.

The report's author, Victoria Markham, noted that the United States is the only industrialized nation with significant population growth. The vast majority of the world's population rise -- about 98 percent -- is in poor countries, she said.

"In combination with our very high rates of natural resource consumption and the associated pollution, that results in America having the highest per capita environmental impact in the world," Markham said in a telephone interview.

NUMBERS DON'T TELL THE WHOLE STORY

Sheer numbers of human beings don't necessarily have the heaviest impact on the environment; instead, environmental impact is a calculation that involves population, affluence and technology, the report said.

In the areas of land-use, water, biodiversity, forests, fisheries and aquatic resources, Americans are consuming more than they did in the past. The report found:

-- Each American occupies 20 percent more developed land -- housing, schools, shopping and roads -- than 20 years ago.

-- Each American uses three times as much water as the world average; over half the original wetlands in the United States have been lost, mainly due to urban and suburban development and agriculture.

-- Half the continental United States can no longer support its original vegetation; nearly 1,000 plant and animal species are listed by the U.S. government as endangered or threatened, with 85 percent of those due to habitat loss or alteration.

-- The United States consumes nearly 25 percent of the world's energy, though it has only 5 percent of the world's population, and has the highest per capita oil consumption worldwide.

-- Each American produces about 5 pounds (2.3 kilogram) of trash a day, up from about 3 pounds (1.4 kilogram) in 1960; the current rate is about five times that in developing countries.

After U.S. population hit 200 million in 1967, Paul Erlich gained notoriety with a book called "The Population Bomb," which predicted mass starvation due to population growth.

No such dire warnings accompany the center's report, Markham said. "We aren't saying there's too many of us," Markham said. "We were trying to step back and take a look at the broad picture and at the population trends and the scientific data."

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=scienceNews&storyid=2006-10-02T144424Z_01_N29247528_RTRUKOC_0_US-ENVIRONMENT-POPULATION.xml&src=rss&rpc=22

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Wow! So many things to comment on here . . .

First thought - environmental impact my ass - the world's population could be fit in the state of Texas with 1,000 feet to each person with room to spare! As far as the "environmental impact", good Lord, what do we have, like 99.99% of America with running water and a sewer system? I think we can accomodate a couple million more.

Now a question - why do you think the U.S. is the only major industrial nation whose population is increasing substantially? I have my own thoughts but I'd like to hear yours.

BTW, for the reading-challenged who couldn't comprehend my last post, this thread is in no way an attempt to spin or justify the behavior of Rep. Foley. Thank you.

Holy Hand Grenade · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 1483 Location: Miami, FL, USA

Immigration undoubtedly plays a large role. Economic stability leads to people with secure finances who can then have children. Hmm...what else, I'd have to read up on the demographics but I'm too lazy right now.
Suffice it to say I believe immigration is by far the #1 contributor to the phenomenon. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Revenant · Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 15852 Location: Bliss

We have more unprotected sex?

flamboyant · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 1881

Holy Hand Grenade wrote: Immigration undoubtedly plays a large role. Economic stability leads to people with secure finances who can then have children. Hmm...what else, I'd have to read up on the demographics but I'm too lazy right now.
Suffice it to say I believe immigration is by far the #1 contributor to the phenomenon. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Fourth paragraph:

Quote: Most of the growth is taking place in the South and West, according to the Census Bureau. From 2004 to 2005, U.S. population had a natural increase -- births minus deaths -- of 1.7 million and international migration of 1 million.

Not only does it seem that people would rather migrate to the U.S. than any other country in the world, but by an even bigger margin . . . people are just f***ing a lot more here than anywhere else. That's very telling, most of Europe, Japan, China . . . people are not procreating on a level that replinishes the popluation. Here in the U.S. it seems people have no worries in having more children.

perdidochas · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 14747 Location: Florida

flamboyant wrote: Holy Hand Grenade wrote: Immigration undoubtedly plays a large role. Economic stability leads to people with secure finances who can then have children. Hmm...what else, I'd have to read up on the demographics but I'm too lazy right now.
Suffice it to say I believe immigration is by far the #1 contributor to the phenomenon. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Fourth paragraph:

Quote: Most of the growth is taking place in the South and West, according to the Census Bureau. From 2004 to 2005, U.S. population had a natural increase -- births minus deaths -- of 1.7 million and international migration of 1 million.

Not only does it seem that people would rather migrate to the U.S. than any other country in the world, but by an even bigger margin . . . people are just f***ing a lot more here than anywhere else. That's very telling, most of Europe, Japan, China . . . people are not procreating on a level that replinishes the popluation. Here in the U.S. it seems people have no worries in having more children.

Well, immigrants are most of the cause of that population growth. If ONLY the descendants of people who lived in the U.S. in 1970 are counted, we are at or close to flat population growth--if no immigrants moved here after 1970, our population size would be around 240 million.
www.susps.org/overview/numbers.html

That said, I don't think population growth is nearly the bugaboo that the chicken littles say it is.

NAB · Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 3:03 pm Post subject:

flamboyant wrote: Holy Hand Grenade wrote: Immigration undoubtedly plays a large role. Economic stability leads to people with secure finances who can then have children. Hmm...what else, I'd have to read up on the demographics but I'm too lazy right now.
Suffice it to say I believe immigration is by far the #1 contributor to the phenomenon. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Fourth paragraph:

Quote: Most of the growth is taking place in the South and West, according to the Census Bureau. From 2004 to 2005, U.S. population had a natural increase -- births minus deaths -- of 1.7 million and international migration of 1 million.

Not only does it seem that people would rather migrate to the U.S. than any other country in the world, but by an even bigger margin . . . people are just f***ing a lot more here than anywhere else. That's very telling, most of Europe, Japan, China . . . people are not procreating on a level that replinishes the popluation. Here in the U.S. it seems people have no worries in having more children.

I would bet that the reason people in Japan and Europe aren't procreating as much has more to do with affluence and education. Not sure where I read it but the quote "sex is the theater of the poor" comes to mind. As far as China goes, it has a law about one couple=one child.

Quell · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 5688

flamboyant wrote: Holy Hand Grenade wrote: Immigration undoubtedly plays a large role. Economic stability leads to people with secure finances who can then have children. Hmm...what else, I'd have to read up on the demographics but I'm too lazy right now.
Suffice it to say I believe immigration is by far the #1 contributor to the phenomenon. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Fourth paragraph:

Quote: Most of the growth is taking place in the South and West, according to the Census Bureau. From 2004 to 2005, U.S. population had a natural increase -- births minus deaths -- of 1.7 million and international migration of 1 million.

Not only does it seem that people would rather migrate to the U.S. than any other country in the world, but by an even bigger margin . . . people are just f***ing a lot more here than anywhere else. That's very telling, most of Europe, Japan, China . . . people are not procreating on a level that replinishes the popluation. Here in the U.S. it seems people have no worries in having more children.

Weird I heard just the opposite of this report not too long ago.

Anyway, I guess it would be attributed to a bunch of things. IMO #1 being that Europeans are much more open about sex...hence they tend to be more aware and take precautions in having children. Seriously how many people do you know that had children that were planned for?

Of all my friends and family that have children, my wife and I are the only people that planned for having a child..The rest were "happy accidents".

*shrug* my 2 cents.

Kumar · Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 14046 Location: Himalayas

flamboyant wrote:
Wow! So many things to comment on here . . .

First thought - environmental impact my ass - the world's population could be fit in the state of Texas with 1,000 feet to each person with room to spare! As far as the "environmental impact", good Lord, what do we have, like 99.99% of America with running water and a sewer system? I think we can accomodate a couple million more.
The resources required to support the lifestyle of the average American have to come from somewhere.

Quote: Now a question - why do you think the U.S. is the only major industrial nation whose population is increasing substantially? I have my own thoughts but I'd like to hear yours.

Partly immigration. Not just the natural influx of new citizens, but the fact that they tend to have higher birthrates.

thefranzkafkafront · Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 3:14 pm Post subject:

Pity the U.S isunt a manufactoring economy anymore.

Kilo Tango · Joined: 12 Apr 2006 Posts: 7994 Location: D.C.

Shouldn't the figure be 312 million?

Brooklyn · Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 1039 Location: New York City

Quote: After U.S. population hit 200 million in 1967, Paul Erlich gained notoriety with a book called "The Population Bomb," which predicted mass starvation due to population growth.

I wonder if this guy ever heard of Thomas Malthus.

flamboyant · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 1881

Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote:
Wow! So many things to comment on here . . .

First thought - environmental impact my ass - the world's population could be fit in the state of Texas with 1,000 feet to each person with room to spare! As far as the "environmental impact", good Lord, what do we have, like 99.99% of America with running water and a sewer system? I think we can accomodate a couple million more.
The resources required to support the lifestyle of the average American have to come from somewhere.

Quote: Now a question - why do you think the U.S. is the only major industrial nation whose population is increasing substantially? I have my own thoughts but I'd like to hear yours.

Partly immigration. Not just the natural influx of new citizens, but the fact that they tend to have higher birthrates.

Dude, you're totally missing the point - why are the populations in all the other major industrialized nations declining when so many people are still yearning and coming to America? It's not like people are waking up and saying C A N A D A - that's where I'm going to make my life.

There has to be some reason why we are the the U.S. is the most cherished destination for people all over the world . . . maybe the world values opportunity over national health care or something, I don't know, but what do we have, like 10 or 20 times the people immigrating to your beloved Canada?

Quell · Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 5688

flamboyant wrote: Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote:
Wow! So many things to comment on here . . .

First thought - environmental impact my ass - the world's population could be fit in the state of Texas with 1,000 feet to each person with room to spare! As far as the "environmental impact", good Lord, what do we have, like 99.99% of America with running water and a sewer system? I think we can accomodate a couple million more.
The resources required to support the lifestyle of the average American have to come from somewhere.

Quote: Now a question - why do you think the U.S. is the only major industrial nation whose population is increasing substantially? I have my own thoughts but I'd like to hear yours.

Partly immigration. Not just the natural influx of new citizens, but the fact that they tend to have higher birthrates.

Dude, you're totally missing the point - why are the populations in all the other major industrialized nations declining when so many people are still yearning and coming to America? It's not like people are waking up and saying C A N A D A - that's where I'm going to make my life.

There has to be some reason why we are the the U.S. is the most cherished destination for people all over the world . . . maybe the world values opportunity over national health care or something, I don't know, but what do we have, like 10 or 20 times the people immigrating to your beloved Canada?

Canada is too cold, and Mexico is too hot..we are juuuuuuuusst right :P

Kumar · Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 14046 Location: Himalayas

flamboyant wrote: Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote:
Wow! So many things to comment on here . . .

First thought - environmental impact my ass - the world's population could be fit in the state of Texas with 1,000 feet to each person with room to spare! As far as the "environmental impact", good Lord, what do we have, like 99.99% of America with running water and a sewer system? I think we can accomodate a couple million more.
The resources required to support the lifestyle of the average American have to come from somewhere.

Quote: Now a question - why do you think the U.S. is the only major industrial nation whose population is increasing substantially? I have my own thoughts but I'd like to hear yours.

Partly immigration. Not just the natural influx of new citizens, but the fact that they tend to have higher birthrates.

Dude, you're totally missing the point - why are the populations in all the other major industrialized nations declining when so many people are still yearning and coming to America? It's not like people are waking up and saying C A N A D A - that's where I'm going to make my life.

There has to be some reason why we are the the U.S. is the most cherished destination for people all over the world . . . maybe the world values opportunity over national health care or something, I don't know, but what do we have, like 10 or 20 times the people immigrating to your beloved Canada?
Oh please, don't make me giggle by playing the "land of the free" card. You are aware that Canada has the highest per capita immigration in the world, right?

The United States is also the number one destination for many Hispanics due to proximity and established communities in the American south.

flamboyant · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 1881

Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote: Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote:
Wow! So many things to comment on here . . .

First thought - environmental impact my ass - the world's population could be fit in the state of Texas with 1,000 feet to each person with room to spare! As far as the "environmental impact", good Lord, what do we have, like 99.99% of America with running water and a sewer system? I think we can accomodate a couple million more.
The resources required to support the lifestyle of the average American have to come from somewhere.

Quote: Now a question - why do you think the U.S. is the only major industrial nation whose population is increasing substantially? I have my own thoughts but I'd like to hear yours.

Partly immigration. Not just the natural influx of new citizens, but the fact that they tend to have higher birthrates.

Dude, you're totally missing the point - why are the populations in all the other major industrialized nations declining when so many people are still yearning and coming to America? It's not like people are waking up and saying C A N A D A - that's where I'm going to make my life.

There has to be some reason why we are the the U.S. is the most cherished destination for people all over the world . . . maybe the world values opportunity over national health care or something, I don't know, but what do we have, like 10 or 20 times the people immigrating to your beloved Canada?
Oh please, don't make me giggle by playing the "land of the free" card. You are aware that Canada has the highest per capita immigration in the world, right?

The United States is also the number one destination for many Hispanics due to proximity and established communities in the American south.

Per capita? What a bunch of crapita. If I buy my own island and 4 people immigrate, I've got more per capita than your Canada. That doesn't change the fact that more people want to come to the U.S.A. than your country.

Moracca · Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 2821 Location: ar-Raba, KOM

The US allows more legal immigrants in per year than the rest of the world combined. European nations are losing population because of advanced birth control, the almost total belief amongst all Europeans that abortion on demand is moral and the fact that they just don't want as many children as their forefathers did.

Kumar · Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 14046 Location: Himalayas

flamboyant wrote: Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote: Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote:
Wow! So many things to comment on here . . .

First thought - environmental impact my ass - the world's population could be fit in the state of Texas with 1,000 feet to each person with room to spare! As far as the "environmental impact", good Lord, what do we have, like 99.99% of America with running water and a sewer system? I think we can accomodate a couple million more.
The resources required to support the lifestyle of the average American have to come from somewhere.

Quote: Now a question - why do you think the U.S. is the only major industrial nation whose population is increasing substantially? I have my own thoughts but I'd like to hear yours.

Partly immigration. Not just the natural influx of new citizens, but the fact that they tend to have higher birthrates.

Dude, you're totally missing the point - why are the populations in all the other major industrialized nations declining when so many people are still yearning and coming to America? It's not like people are waking up and saying C A N A D A - that's where I'm going to make my life.

There has to be some reason why we are the the U.S. is the most cherished destination for people all over the world . . . maybe the world values opportunity over national health care or something, I don't know, but what do we have, like 10 or 20 times the people immigrating to your beloved Canada?
Oh please, don't make me giggle by playing the "land of the free" card. You are aware that Canada has the highest per capita immigration in the world, right?

The United States is also the number one destination for many Hispanics due to proximity and established communities in the American south.

Per capita? What a bunch of crapita. If I buy my own island and 4 people immigrate, I've got more per capita than your Canada. That doesn't change the fact that more people want to come to the U.S.A. than your country.
Yes, it's perfectly logical to compare the net immigration of a country with 300 million people to one with 30 million. I mean, it doesn't have any effect on quotas or anything, right? :lol:

flamboyant · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 1881

Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote: Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote: Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote:
Wow! So many things to comment on here . . .

First thought - environmental impact my ass - the world's population could be fit in the state of Texas with 1,000 feet to each person with room to spare! As far as the "environmental impact", good Lord, what do we have, like 99.99% of America with running water and a sewer system? I think we can accomodate a couple million more.
The resources required to support the lifestyle of the average American have to come from somewhere.

Quote: Now a question - why do you think the U.S. is the only major industrial nation whose population is increasing substantially? I have my own thoughts but I'd like to hear yours.

Partly immigration. Not just the natural influx of new citizens, but the fact that they tend to have higher birthrates.

Dude, you're totally missing the point - why are the populations in all the other major industrialized nations declining when so many people are still yearning and coming to America? It's not like people are waking up and saying C A N A D A - that's where I'm going to make my life.

There has to be some reason why we are the the U.S. is the most cherished destination for people all over the world . . . maybe the world values opportunity over national health care or something, I don't know, but what do we have, like 10 or 20 times the people immigrating to your beloved Canada?
Oh please, don't make me giggle by playing the "land of the free" card. You are aware that Canada has the highest per capita immigration in the world, right?

The United States is also the number one destination for many Hispanics due to proximity and established communities in the American south.

Per capita? What a bunch of crapita. If I buy my own island and 4 people immigrate, I've got more per capita than your Canada. That doesn't change the fact that more people want to come to the U.S.A. than your country.
Yes, it's perfectly logical to compare the net immigration of a country with 300 million people to one with 30 million. I mean, it doesn't have any effect on quotas or anything, right? :lol:

That's just stupid. If more people want to immigrate to my country than yours, per capita is a mute point.

Dude, there's a reason why more people want to come to the U.S. of A. I'm not saying Canada totally s*cks, you guys have a nice little country up north in your little icebox there . . . In fact, without knowing the exact numbers, I'm pretty sure thqt you guys probably have more people trying to immigrate to your country then all the suck-ass countries in Europe combined.

That still doesn't change the fact that there is definately a reason more people want to come to the USA than any other country in the world. It's because the USA is the greatest hope on the face of the Earth.

perdidochas · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 14747 Location: Florida

Quell wrote: flamboyant wrote: Holy Hand Grenade wrote: Immigration undoubtedly plays a large role. Economic stability leads to people with secure finances who can then have children. Hmm...what else, I'd have to read up on the demographics but I'm too lazy right now.
Suffice it to say I believe immigration is by far the #1 contributor to the phenomenon. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Fourth paragraph:

Quote: Most of the growth is taking place in the South and West, according to the Census Bureau. From 2004 to 2005, U.S. population had a natural increase -- births minus deaths -- of 1.7 million and international migration of 1 million.

Not only does it seem that people would rather migrate to the U.S. than any other country in the world, but by an even bigger margin . . . people are just f***ing a lot more here than anywhere else. That's very telling, most of Europe, Japan, China . . . people are not procreating on a level that replinishes the popluation. Here in the U.S. it seems people have no worries in having more children.

Weird I heard just the opposite of this report not too long ago.

Anyway, I guess it would be attributed to a bunch of things. IMO #1 being that Europeans are much more open about sex...hence they tend to be more aware and take precautions in having children. Seriously how many people do you know that had children that were planned for?

Quite a few, my wife and I for one. Both of my brothers and their wives, as well. I also know quite a few people that worked hard at having kids--i.e. went through treatment for infertility, etc. Yes, I also know quite a few people that have unplanned pregnancies.

Quell wrote: Of all my friends and family that have children, my wife and I are the only people that planned for having a child..The rest were "happy accidents".

Well, most people I know planned for having a child, some even worked hard at it. I do know a few "whoops" people as well.

Truthfully, Europe is a decadent, declining society. That is the main reason they are having ZPG. We are almost as bad, and getting worse.

Kumar · Joined: 21 Jul 2004 Posts: 14046 Location: Himalayas

flamboyant wrote: Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote: Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote: Kumar wrote: flamboyant wrote:
Wow! So many things to comment on here . . .

First thought - environmental impact my ass - the world's population could be fit in the state of Texas with 1,000 feet to each person with room to spare! As far as the "environmental impact", good Lord, what do we have, like 99.99% of America with running water and a sewer system? I think we can accomodate a couple million more.
The resources required to support the lifestyle of the average American have to come from somewhere.

Quote: Now a question - why do you think the U.S. is the only major industrial nation whose population is increasing substantially? I have my own thoughts but I'd like to hear yours.

Partly immigration. Not just the natural influx of new citizens, but the fact that they tend to have higher birthrates.

Dude, you're totally missing the point - why are the populations in all the other major industrialized nations declining when so many people are still yearning and coming to America? It's not like people are waking up and saying C A N A D A - that's where I'm going to make my life.

There has to be some reason why we are the the U.S. is the most cherished destination for people all over the world . . . maybe the world values opportunity over national health care or something, I don't know, but what do we have, like 10 or 20 times the people immigrating to your beloved Canada?
Oh please, don't make me giggle by playing the "land of the free" card. You are aware that Canada has the highest per capita immigration in the world, right?

The United States is also the number one destination for many Hispanics due to proximity and established communities in the American south.

Per capita? What a bunch of crapita. If I buy my own island and 4 people immigrate, I've got more per capita than your Canada. That doesn't change the fact that more people want to come to the U.S.A. than your country.
Yes, it's perfectly logical to compare the net immigration of a country with 300 million people to one with 30 million. I mean, it doesn't have any effect on quotas or anything, right? :lol:

That's just stupid. If more people want to immigrate to my country than yours, per capita is a mute point.

Dude, there's a reason why more people want to come to the U.S. of A. I'm not saying Canada totally s*cks, you guys have a nice little country up north in your little icebox there . . . In fact, without knowing the exact numbers, I'm pretty sure thqt you guys probably have more people trying to immigrate to your country then all the suck-ass countries in Europe combined.

That still doesn't change the fact that there is definately a reason more people want to come to the USA than any other country in the world. It's because the USA is the greatest hope on the face of the Earth.
I'm sorry, but your position has no logic to it whatsoever. Canada does not have an open door immigration policy. Countries have these things called quotas or caps that of course depend on population. Now, will a country with a larger population have a larger quota or a smaller quota?

Per capita is only reasonable and logical method of looking at immigration, just as how per capita income portrays a more accurate image than GDP. There have actually been calls in Canada to lower the immigration rate because so many are coming that local populations and infrastructure may not be able to accomodate such a large and rapid influx.

I know you badly want to turn this into a "rah rah USA" thread, but unfortunately at this point you're just dismissing reality in order to make it so.