Skip to main content
Back to Discussions

Why we stopped making land

Infrastructure
United States
Started July 8, 2026

From Zigmund Forrest and Maxwell Tabarrok in Works in Progress: In total, around eight percent of the land in America’s major coastal cities was underwater in the 1890s and has since been reclaimed. This includes the land under several major airports, like Newark, Logan, and SFO, as well as neighborhoods like the Financial District in […] The post Why we stopped making land appeared first on Marginal REVOLUTION. Related StoriesRent Control: The Ceiling TrapWhat should I ask Liaquat Ahamed?How...

Source Articles

Add Statement Analysis 0/5
Looking for a particular claim? Search all statements
🗳️ Join the conversation
5 statements to vote on • Your perspective shapes the analysis
📊 Progress to consensus analysis Needs 7+ participants and 20+ votes. Each statement joins once it has 3+ votes.
Participants 0/7
Statements (10+ recommended) 5/10
Total Votes 0/20
💡 Progress updates live here. Analysis can run once all three requirements are met.

Your votes count

No account needed. Your votes are saved and included in the consensus analysis. Create an account to keep a record of your votes.

CLAIM Posted by will • Jul 8, 2026
Investing in land reclamation is a practical solution to the housing crisis in coastal cities, addressing both space shortages and economic needs.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Jul 8, 2026
Reclaiming land from water allows cities to expand economically, creating opportunities for development and housing in densely populated areas.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Jul 8, 2026
The historical context of land reclamation in America shows a pattern of environmental neglect that we must learn from to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Jul 8, 2026
Creating new land can disrupt ecosystems and wildlife habitats, raising ethical concerns about the long-term impacts on natural resources.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Jul 8, 2026
The practice of land reclamation reflects historical urban planning decisions that prioritize growth over sustainability, necessitating a reevaluation of our priorities.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results

💡 How this works

  • • Add statements: Post claims or questions (10 to 500 characters).
  • • Vote: Agree, disagree or unsure on each statement.
  • • Respond: Add detailed arguments for or against, with evidence.
  • • Consensus: Once enough people take part, analysis shows opinion groups and where they agree.

Society Speaks is open and independent. Your support keeps civic discussion free from advertising and commercial influence.

Support us