In Arizona, it’s not a question of if we’ll grow, it’s how we’ll grow. Arizona is among the fastest growing states in the nation and it’s projected that the state’s population could reach 12 million by 2050.

In light of these dramatic figures, the Conservancy in Arizona recently completed an analysis called “Growing by Design: Choices for a Sustainable Arizona.” The results show that if Arizona doesn’t have a growth plan that considers our most important natural resources for fresh water, clean air and a livable climate, we risk losing as much as 2.4 million acres of these important lands.

On the Other Hand

Conversely, the analysis shows that there are more than one million acres located within the Sun Corridor of Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties that are suitable for development without negative impact on the natural infrastructure. The Conservancy's analysis includes maps for two growth scenarios for the Sun Corridor – one based on current growth patterns, the second alternative that avoids impact on natural infrastructure.

Go Deeper
Interested in the data behind the analysis? Visit Arizona's science website.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Sonoran Desert near Tucson, Arizona © Beth M. Russell; Cowboys Ride Open Range © Frank McChesney; Cover Growing by Design Report © The Nature Conservancy.