“Projecting the Future by Looking Over One's Shoulder at the Past”: The Milken Institute's One-Sided Analysis of California's Future

摘要: The first Michael Milken Institute conference on “the state of the California,” held November 5, 1999, identified 21st century “opportunities and challenges” in light recent economic demographic trends. panelists came from banking/venture capital, industrial, real estate development, think tank political spheres. Notably absent were delegates environmental community. Optimism reigned: presenters considered that shortage soaring price housing are major concerns, yet they could not view this as a contra-indication to future population increase. Possibilities ethnic clashes where no group commands majority went unaddressed. Both materials those present subscribed growth is good bigger better; other indicators quality life mentioned. Ecological overload threats collapsing eco-systems, permanent water foreseen by planners beginning early 2015, increasing vulnerability inevitable natural disasters earthquakes droughts should projections be fulfilled (today's 35 million will grow 50 2020; carrying capacity level about 10 million) all unmentioned. Those left falsely reassured for California largely replay 20th.