Spotlight On Global Issues

Healthy citizens are one of the keys to thriving communities. The global understanding of disease and medicine has advanced with innovations in science and technology, but preventable physical diseases persist around the world. This book outlines many of the major health crises facing the world today, including communicable diseases, environmental threats, and the challenges of providing effective health care. Photographs, charts, and real-world examples illustrate the narrative's main concepts in detail. With fact-based prescriptions for global health, readers will be empowered to take an active, problem-solving role in the effort to build healthy communities.

In 2018, three species of birds went extinct. These species are gone forever, and many more species of plants and animals are in danger of going extinct every year. Scientists estimate that almost half of the species on Earth could be extinct by 2050. This volume looks at the issue of endangered species and the impact that human activity has on the many plants and animals that share our planet. Colorful photographs, primary sources, and helpful graphics illustrate the conservation efforts made by scientists and lawmakers around the world. This book will encourage your young readers to take an active role in solving this problem.

With all the dangers to Earth today, saving the planet is on many people's minds. Engineers and inventors are at the forefront of technologies to combat pollution, reduce waste, and fight climate change. This fascinating and accessible look at exciting green technologies touches on critical STEM concepts relating to our lives today. Solar panels, alternative fuels, and plant-based plastics are a few of the practical applications of science that may inspire the scientists, engineers, and inventors of tomorrow. Diagrams, primary sources, and photographs aid readers in absorbing key ideas from the narrative.

With all the concerns and problems in the world today, mental health issues may seem inevitable and unavoidable. However, medical experts warn that ignoring the world's growing mental health crisis will not only cost countries trillions of dollars but also millions of lives. This informative volume explains this crisis, discusses what can be done about it, and showcases activists and leaders fighting to address mental health issues and working against stigmas of mental illness. Photographs, helpful graphics, and real-world advice make this an essential book for young readers, who want to make a difference.

Today's world poses many challenges for its inhabitants. Social injustice and environmental issues are at the forefront in the news and in the minds of young people. Your readers will explore a difficulty that many people around the world face: the lack of access to quality education. By exploring this issue around the world, readers will learn about activists who are making positive changes and about the obstacles they have yet to overcome. It's a perfect reminder to young activists and everyday readers that they have the power to change the world.

In 1907, a chemist named Leo Baekeland invented the first synthetic plastic. In the little more than 100 years since, plastic has benefited humanity even while we polluted Earth with it. During the 1950s, plastic production rapidly increased and since then, people have created billions of tons of plastic. Millions of tons of plastic enter the world's fragile oceans and ecosystems every year. This informative book examines the globally significant plastic pollution problem, how it became so bad, and the steps that governments, activists, and young people are taking to demand change.

Starting in late 2019 and continuing into 2020, the illness known as COVID-19 changed our lives-and the way we look at and interact with the world around us-forever. This in-depth and informative volume guides young readers in learning more about the illness, the virus that causes it, and the science behind the pandemic it caused. Readers will explore the history of epidemics and pandemics, which provides a solid backdrop for the rest of this fact-filled book. The text features inspiring young activists who have made a difference in this unprecedented time.

Through much of human history, only a small, elite group escaped the hardships of poverty. Industrialization helped reverse that trend, and world poverty has been steadily decreasing for 200 years. However, is the total eradication of poverty possible? This book traces the history and understanding of poverty, explores the realities of those living in poverty around the world, and examines innovations designed to eliminate extreme poverty on a global level. Helpful graphics, photographs, and simple language make this important issue easier to understand for young learners.

As climate changes bring uncertain weather patterns and as Earth's population grows, it becomes increasingly important to figure out how to feed everyone. As Earth's greatest scientists and activists work on a viable solution, it's important for readers to realize that they can take action too. This guidebook explores agricultural and distribution practices around the world. Readers will learn about ideas that ensure everyone has access to food resources and proper nutrition. Your young readers will be inspired to take an active role in changing the world for the better.

Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, human use of fossil fuels for energy has released tremendous amounts of pollutants and carbon dioxide into Earth's atmosphere. This has altered the environment in increasingly negative ways. All around the world, lawmakers, activists, and young innovators are taking steps and seeking energy solutions. This innovative book examines one of the most important topics of our time: clean, responsible, and renewable energy solutions for all. From solar power technology to the dream of nuclear fusion, people are stepping up to explore or put many different energy sources into practical use. Empower your readers to form and make the right decisions.

Massive hurricanes, devastating tornadoes, out-of-control wildfires, and deadly floods: it seems as though there are more natural disasters each year. Scientists tell us that the increase in natural disasters is tied to climate change and the negative impact that human activity is having on our planet. This volume looks at the damage done to the planet through pollution, deforestation, and other human activities. Your readers will survey the efforts made to protect and preserve our planet. Colorful photographs, helpful graphics, and primary sources will encourage young readers to take an active role in protecting Earth.

Is there anything a young person can do to help make Earth's air clean and safe? Absolutely! It's everyone's responsibility to take charge of the future of our planet. This fascinating book spotlights one of the most important global issues of our time: the quality of the air we breathe. Each chapter is packed with facts about the past, present, and future of Earth's air quality. Your readers are provided with inspiring examples of advocates and young activists, who fight pollution and bring awareness to the issue through their tireless efforts.

Climate change is rapidly reshaping Earth in devastating ways. Since the mid-20th century, the planet has been warming at an unprecedented rate. This informative book is designed to educate young readers about climate change, which is a defining issue of their time. The narrative features real-world examples of young activists, who are using their powerful voices to inspire change. True stories about scientists working on cutting-edge solutions will thrill your readers. This must-have book encourages readers to draw connections between rising populations and climate change, to explore solutions to this global issue, and to advocate for change.

Social justice lies in the intersection between morality and politics in the modern world. At its core, the idea of social justice refers to the way wealth, opportunities, and resources are distributed across a society. Fairness, justice, and equality are more than philosophical ideals. Around the world, individuals and organizations are committed to achieving greater equality and social justice. Inspiring stories and captivating images will help your readers explore the history of equality movements and goals for reducing inequality. They'll be inspired by the stories of leaders, activists, and communities who campaign for social justice around the world.

Today, 785 million people are living without access to safe water. Water-related illnesses are responsible for almost 1 million deaths each year. Clean water should be a basic human right, but far too few people have access to it. With this informative book, readers will study the global water crisis, how it reached its current state, and its impact on the environment and human lives. Real-life examples of the steps being taken to save Earth's water resources and improve the quality and availability of drinking water will inspire budding environmentalists to take action.