2015 Conference

Discussion Symposium

Common sense suggests that a growing population leads to sprawling development and greater crowding, more pollution and less room on the landscape for other species. Common sense and economic theory suggest that flooding labor markets drives down wages for less skilled workers, undermines unionizing efforts and increases economic inequality. A new book, "How Many Is Too Many? The Progressive Argument for Reducing Immigration into the United States," argues that when it comes to immigration-driven population growth, common sense is right. Current immigration levels—the highest in U.S. history—undermine efforts to achieve a more economically just and ecologically sustainable society. Join the author and four critics as they explore these themes, with particular emphasis on the connection between population matters and ecological sustainability.