[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 137 (Friday, October 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1888-E1889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       POPULATION AWARENESS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS H. ALLEN

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2001

  Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, Rapid population growth and urbanization have 
become catalysts for many serious environmental problems that are 
applying substantial pressures on our country's infrastructure. This is 
especially apparent in sanitation, health, and public safety problems, 
making urbanization an issue we cannot afford to ignore. Cities and 
urban areas today occupy only 2 percent of the earth's land, but 
contain half of the world's population and consume 75 percent of its 
resources.
  It is therefore important for us to recognize the problems associated 
with rapid population growth and urbanization. Governor Angus King has 
proclaimed the week of October 21-27 of this year as Population 
Awareness Week in the great state of Maine, and I would like to support 
the Governor in this effort by entering his proclamation into the 
Congressional Record.

       Whereas, the world population stands today at more than 6.1 
     billion and increases by one billion people every 13 years; 
     and

[[Page E1889]]

       Whereas, the most significant feature of the 20th century 
     phenomenon of unprecedented world population growth was rapid 
     urbanization; and
       Whereas, cities and urban areas today occupy only 2% of the 
     earth's land, but contain 50% of its population and consume 
     74% of its resources; and
       Whereas, the most rapid urban growth over the next two 
     decades is expected in cities with populations ranging from 
     250,000 to one million; and
       Whereas, along with advantages and amenities, the rapid 
     growth of cities leads to substantial pressure on their 
     infrastructure, manifested in sanitary, health and crime 
     problems; and
       Whereas, in the interest of national and environmental 
     security, rations must redouble voluntary and humanitarian 
     efforts to stabilize their population growth at sustainable 
     levels, while at all times respecting the cultural and 
     religious beliefs and values of their citizens.
       Now, therefore, I, Angus S. King, Jr., Governor of the 
     State of Maine, do hereby proclaim October 21-28, 2001 as 
     Population Awareness Week throughout the State of Maine, and 
     urge all citizens to take cognizance of this event.