Impacts of rapid population growth in American Samoa: a call for action, Pago Pago, American Samoa

Abstract

The rapid growth of the human population is one of the most critical worldwide issues for the 21st century. It is also a very real problem in American Samoa that cannot be ignored. During the past ten years alone, our population rose by 16,300 people, which is an explosive increase of 35%. We now total 63,100 and will reach 100,000 within the next 20 years, and 180,000 by 2040 unless present trends are moderated through responsible policies for the course of future events.