Protecting Our Planet

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These important books look at our interaction with the planet and the global impact of our actions on the environment today and in the future. Key environmental issues, such as climate change, the protection of biodiversity, and the reduction of our carbon footprint, are explored. Thought-provoking photographs, case study examples, and 'What can be done?' boxes help children understand what they can do to help restore the balance of nature and ensure sustainable development.

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Catastrophic Weather

Climate influences the features of the landscape, what farmers can grow, where people live, and the type of houses they build. But what happens when the climate changes abruptly and dramatically, not as part of a natural process of change but because of human activity? The result is more frequent and stronger extreme weather events such as heat waves, storms, torrential rain, raging winds, and hurricanes. This fascinating book uses case studies to explore the causes and effects of catastrophic weather and asks the question: Are we prepared to adapt our lifestyles to prevent climate change from spiraling out of control?

Reading Level: Gr. 4
Interest Level: Gr. 3-6
Bindings: Paperback & Hard Cover
Series: Protecting our Planet
Author: Sarah Levete

Format
Size: 8 1/2"x 11"
No. of Pages: 32

Destroying the Oceans

Oceans and seas are habitats for millions of animals and plants. Life on land depends on the oceans. Sea creatures provide food for billions of people around the world. The waters of the oceans shape the weather, the land, and the planet’s temperature. But human activity is endangering some of the world’s most unique habitats. Warmer ocean temperatures due to climate change are affecting food webs both in the water and on land, and may be responsible for an increase in the number of damaging storms around the planet. This fascinating book uses case studies to explore the causes and effects of the destruction of ocean habitats and their wildlife and the ways in which people can reduce their impact on these life-giving bodies of water.

Energy in Crisis

Energy makes things work. From coal and wood to gas and oil, planet Earth has a wealth of natural resources packed full of energy. The way that energy is produced and the amount we use have a huge impact upon the planet. If people continue to use fuels at the current rate, the Earth will run out of its own resources. The effect on the environment will be devastating. This way of living is called unsustainable. This fascinating book uses case studies to explore the causes and effects of human energy consumption and the ways in which people can reduce their impact on the environment by reducing their own energy consumption and using alternative renewable energy sources, such as solar power.

Reading Level: Gr. 4
Interest Level: Gr. 3-6
Bindings: Paperback & Hard Cover
Series: Protecting our Planet
Author: Catherine Chambers

Format
Size: 8 1/2"x 11"
No. of Pages: 32

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Habitats and Wildlife in Danger

Habitats provide the environment in which animals and plants can thrive. This variety of living things is crucial to our survival providing us with such necessities as foods and medicines. However, human activity is upsetting the natural balance of the environment. Clearing land to grow crops, pollution from industry, and farming damages habitats at a quick pace and threatens the survival of wildlife. This fascinating book uses case studies to explore the causes and effects of the destruction of habitats and their wildlife and the ways in which people can reduce their impact on these homes in nature.

Threatened Wetlands

Wetland habitats are full of wildlife. They help control flooding and absorb greenhouse gases that are making the atmosphere of the Earth hotter. However, half the world’s wetlands have been destroyed over the last one hundred years, mostly through human activity and climate change. This fascinating book uses case studies to explore the causes and effects of the destruction of our wetlands and the ways in which people can reduce their impact on these vital habitats.

Toxins in the Food Chain

Toxins are poisons. Many are found in nature and help protect plants and animals from animals that try to eat them. But there are other toxins that are very harmful, especially when they enter the food chain. Artificial chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides used in farming, cleaning products used by industries, hormones injected into animals, all get passed along to living things through the food chain with devastating effects. This fascinating book uses case studies to explore the causes and effects of the toxins in our food chain and the ways in which people can reduce their own toxic pollution by using more natural products.