Your life in 1975

Lynn Poole briefly describes the natural resources of the United States and shows their location on a map as an introduction to this program on the Materials Policy Commission, appointed by President Truman, which has just published its five volume report of facts and recommendations for the future. According to the report, the projected 1975 demand for raw materials will be an increase of 64%. A chart compares consumption of raw materials in 1900, 1950, and 1975 and the resulting production surpluses and deficits. Dr. Arnold C. Harberger, Johns Hopkins University economist and staff consultant on the Commission, explains how projections on zinc and steel demands are calculated. He assumes that although the 1975 GNP will be twice that of 1950, demand for many goods, such as automobiles and televisions, won't grow at the same rate. A chart shows the general demands of all natural resources in 1975. Harberger says that to meet these demands, the Commission recommends efficient production of coal and petroleum, geological surveys of the United States, and mass production of such new materials as tantalum and germanium. Further recommendations include buying materials abroad to boost the world economy, studying the rising real costs, and conservation of natural resources.