population growth

July 11 is World Population Day. Originally conceived in 1989 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this global event aims to focus the world’s attention on the importance and urgency of population issues. It seeks to raise greater awareness of population, including its bearing on such vital topics as the environment, development, migration and sustainability.

For Americans concerned about rapid, unsustainable population growth, a newly released Pew Research Center report confirms that immigration has been its primary driver. The Pew study supplements its earlier findings about immigration’s effect on population surges.

Citing regulatory barriers, high costs and fewer public resources, the California Department of Housing and Community Development reported earlier this year that the state isn’t keeping up with housing demand. Through the last 10 years, 80,000 new homes were built on average annually, in contrast to demand for 180,000 homes each year. If growth trends continue, 1.8 million new homes will be needed just by 2025.

The California Department of Finance released its latest population projections for the state. According to its press release, from 2016 to 2036, California will add 6.5 million people to its current 39.4 million populace. Furthermore, the state will hit 45 million by 2035, and 50 million during 2055.