Negative Population Growth, Winter 2005 Population & Resource Outlook, page 7
Las Vegas, Nevada prides itself on being one of America's great escapes for tourists. But these days it's the residents who live beyond the glitter of the neon who would love to escape the out-of-control growth that is turning the entire area into a nightmare.
Earlier this year, syndicated columnist George Will called Las Vegas "the world capital of exuberant excess." He backed up this label by citing statistics that show the current 1.6 million population growing by 6,000 a month to 2 million by the end of this decade... housing starts that run to 20,000 per year... a fast-depleting water supply that is currently at 50% capacity... a never-ending need for new roads and infrastructure... increased taxes... a demand for 17 new schools every year... and pollution that is creating respiratory problems among the elderly, increasing the costs of their long-term health care.
It's sad to say, but the future of cities all across America could end up looking like today's Las Vegas is we fail to heed the signs of overpopulation. In sum, Las Vegas remains a nice place to visit--but don't move there. And definitely, don't bet on its future as a great place to live!
Las Vegas, Nevada prides itself on being one of America's great escapes for tourists. But these days it's the residents who live beyond the glitter of the neon who would love to escape the out-of-control growth that is turning the entire area into a nightmare.
Earlier this year, syndicated columnist George Will called Las Vegas "the world capital of exuberant excess." He backed up this label by citing statistics that show the current 1.6 million population growing by 6,000 a month to 2 million by the end of this decade... housing starts that run to 20,000 per year... a fast-depleting water supply that is currently at 50% capacity... a never-ending need for new roads and infrastructure... increased taxes... a demand for 17 new schools every year... and pollution that is creating respiratory problems among the elderly, increasing the costs of their long-term health care.
It's sad to say, but the future of cities all across America could end up looking like today's Las Vegas is we fail to heed the signs of overpopulation. In sum, Las Vegas remains a nice place to visit--but don't move there. And definitely, don't bet on its future as a great place to live!