#United States #Alexandria #Negative Population Growth #US Population #Dr. Karen I. Shragg

New Insights into U.S. Population Growth

A recent publication by Negative Population Growth, Inc. (NPG), titled Why ZPG Did Not Achieve Its Goal to Lower Population and Why We Can't Grow On Forever, authored by naturalist Dr. Karen I. Shragg, has ignited discussions about the dynamics behind the steady rise of the U.S. population. This paper scrutinizes the intriguing contradiction where families are opting for smaller sizes, yet the overall population is on an upward trajectory.

Dr. Shragg's research revisits the historical context set by the Zero Population Growth (ZPG) movement from the 1970s, which sought to stabilize population levels to mitigate environmental impacts. At that time, many Americans were motivated to choose smaller families. Despite this trend, the U.S. population has inexplicably surged by nearly 140 million individuals since 1970. The consequences of this growth are evident: urban areas are congested, roadways are increasingly congested, and public facilities, including national parks, now require advanced reservations. Housing has become exorbitantly priced, leaving the wealthiest to compete effectively in an inflated market.

A striking argument made by Dr. Shragg is the pivotal role of mass immigration as a primary factor driving continued population growth. Contrary to the idea that limiting family size alone can stabilize population levels, she asserts that a broader perspective is needed. As she articulates, “Many argue that immigration does not matter because the overall population of the world remains the same. True enough, but keeping limits on growth is a local challenge—best addressed with local laws and enforcement. The US cannot be the release valve for other countries.” This perspective pushes for a re-evaluation of how immigration policy intersects with environmental concerns.

In conducting her research, Dr. Shragg gathered insights from members of her network on their perspectives regarding family size and population growth. Most respondents indicated they did not perceive any significant sacrifices linked to their personal choices regarding family size. However, one couple from Minnesota, actively engaged in the ZPG movement and influenced by Paul Ehrlich’s The Population Bomb, shared concerns regarding overpopulation’s implications for the environment. They had hoped that through public education, voluntary family size limitations would become a widespread cultural norm. The couple noted that they had underestimated immigration’s impact on the country's population dynamics, which ultimately led to continued growth despite smaller family structures.

The findings presented in Why ZPG Did Not Achieve Its Goal to Lower Population and Why We Can't Grow On Forever serve as a call to action for environmental organizations, policymakers, and the general public. Dr. Shragg advocates for a more integrated approach to sustainability, emphasizing the need to consider both family planning and immigration as integral components of a national population policy. She concludes with a powerful reminder that the dialogue surrounding environmental and quality-of-life issues—ranging from wildlife conservation to climate change—should also encompass the choices around family sizes and sustainable immigration policies.

Since its inception in 1972, NPG has committed itself to raising awareness about the repercussions of overpopulation. With a firm belief in the necessity of reducing population growth to attain ecological balance, NPG remains a critical voice in discussions often dominated by the notion of unchecked growth. Their proposed National Population Policy aims to stabilize the U.S. population at a sustainable level—one that is significantly lower than current figures. NPG does more than merely identify demographic challenges; it provides actionable solutions. To learn more about their initiatives, visit their website NPG.org or follow them on their social media platforms.@NegativePopulationGrowth on Facebook or @npg_org on X.