1. Limits to Growth Attained. A Summary of the Proceedings.
- Author
-
Potter, Edwin E.
- Abstract
This paper summarizes the discussion from a forum to explore a logical and feasible means by which South Florida could reach its carrying capacity and experience no further growth. The opening presentation explained the relationships among (1) the area's land, water, and natural ecosystems, (2) natural sources of energy and imported fuels, (3) energy principles such as conservation and diminishing returns, and (4) carrying capacity of a system in terms of energy input and net production. Next on the agenda, discussion groups were asked to assume that South Florida had reached a steady state (no growth) and to consider five questions in light of that assumption. (1) Would the relationship between services provided by government and goods and services produced by the private sector change in a no growth situation? (2) How valid is the current land-use plan for Dade County (part of South Florida) if a steady state were achieved? (3) Would people's life style change as a result of no growth? (4) What are the effects of no growth on government, construction, real estate, tourism, agriculture, transportation and communication, education, legal services, manufacturing, banking and finance, retail sales and distribution, and medicine? and (5) What course of action could the government and industry take to minimize the effects of no growth? Concluding comments summarized the effects of no growth on the area's economic, physical, and social systems. (AV)
- Published
- 1979