300 million

Did you wake up Tuesday and feel a little claustrophobic? According to U.S. Census Bureau estimations, our population passed the 300 million mark Tuesday at 7:46 a.m.\nThere wasn't a big fanfare for this milestone as there was in 1967 when we hit 200 million. At that time the achievement was overwhelmingly positive, a signal of our rise to global power. This time, census officials expected nothing more than cake and punch to commemorate the "populometer" rolling over to eight zeroes once again.\nThe impact of this landmark figure is not immediate -- I haven't noticed streets flooded with people yet. Nevertheless, breaking 300 million offers an occasion to consider the long-term ramifications of our ever-growing population on the environment, economy and social services.\nEnvironmentalists are particularly concerned that Americans already consume over 25 percent of the world's energy and resources; more Americans means more consumption. We develop land at twice the speed the population grows. Consequently, about 1,000 plant and animal species are endangered from overdevelopment. Water resources are strained or depleted in the fastest growing regions in the western United States, while air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions contribute to health problems and ozone destruction. On average, Americans produce five pounds of trash every day. Without greater environmental consciousness, our growing population will only exacerbate these consequences.\nWe must also consider potentially serious economic pitfalls. A widening gap between the richest 1 percent of the population and the ever-growing lower class, coupled with popular belief that taxes are a terrible burden we shouldn't suffer (especially not the rich), will not lead to the ample funding for social support services that some economists predict. We've heard for several years now that Social Security funds could be depleted as the Baby Boomers retire. Clearly a growing population hasn't provided the means to correct this deficiency.\nIn addition, about 46 million Americans lack health care coverage, and current policymakers are resistant to universal coverage. No doubt it's hard to ensure 300 million people are guaranteed basic health care, but better to solve the problem now before the number becomes even more daunting.\nMeanwhile, funding for education is decreasing, and students receive less financial support for higher education. If an increasing proportion of our growing population cannot afford higher education, we likely won't end up with a wealthy workforce to bolster the economy and correct this deficiency. It will only worsen.\nThe point is not to be alarmist or fearful of growth. Now is the time to consider future ramifications and mend the weak spots with serious changes in lifestyle and public policy. In my world, we'd outlaw Hummers and other gas guzzlers, invest heavily in "green" research and allocate more funding for health care, education and other social services.\nWhatever we do, the 300 million mark must be a signal to plan for the future. Waiting until we burst at the seams to address the concerns will be too late.