Attaining a stationary U. S. population: three views. 1. Zero population growth: what is it?

Many of its most earnest advocates obviously see zero population growth as more than a slogan and more than a platitude about long-run objectives. They want or at least some of them want zero growth if not yesterday at least now. They want it moreover if not on any terms at least with the sense of urgency that makes them willing to accept many second and third order effects without careful examination. It is to these questions that we must turn our most careful attention. This means that we must ask with what urgency it is necessary to seek zero growth under varying circumstances. What are the advantages and disadvantages of attaining the goal with varying speeds and what are the advantages and disadvantages of using various methods for its attainment? The assessment of the means is quite as important as the assessment of the goal. (excerpt)