John H. Tanton, M.D. is a retired ophthalmologist and eye surgeon in Petoskey, Michigan, having practiced medicine from 1964 to 1998.

John Tanton is a strong conversationalist and leading advocate for the environment. In 1975, his essay "Human Migration" won the Mitchell Prize contest and was published as the cover article of The Ecologist.

He founded the Petoskey regional Audubon Society and has been active in a large number of environmental organizations. Dr. Tanton's recognition that continued human population growth is a significant contributor to environmental problems lead to his involvement with the Sierra Club Population Committee and to becoming President and board member of Zero Population Growth.

As immigration became the driving force behind unending U.S. population growth, John Tanton formed the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). He is publisher and former editor of The Social Contract.

John Tanton, MD was named by the Northern Michigan Medical Society to receive the Michigan State Medical Society's Community Service Award. John Tanton received the prestigious Chevron Conservation Award in recognition of his tireless efforts to improve our environment for future generations.