Environmental Concerns

Without clean air, human beings wouldn't be able to live on Earth. That's why it's so important to protect the environment by ensuring that air pollution is reduced! As readers learn throughout this volume, air pollution can be caused by both natural and manmade emissions, such as the burning of fossil fuels, as well as from the use of industrial and agricultural machines. The harm this has on the air around us is made understandable through helpful photographs and accessible text. Also featured are the various ways readers can help reduce toxic emissions through their own actions.

Water is not just an important part of Earth's composition, it's also vital to every single human being. Every person uses water every day, but water pollution poses a big threat to our safety. Readers learn about the causes of water pollution-both natural and manmade-as well as the harmful effects of unclean water, since both animals and humans alike rely on water for survival. Vivid photographs of sewage pollution, oil pollution, and agricultural pollution help readers visualize the issues at hand, while accessible text breaks down the concerns and teaches readers how they can help stop water pollution.

With a global population of over 7 billion people, more and more trees and forests are being cut down to make room for people to live, work, and build. But deforestation can be very dangerous because trees make the air clean. Readers learn about the many ways deforestation is executed, such as logging and slash and burn, as well as the harmful effects it has on the environment, such as releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, destroying animal habitats, and increasing flooding. Accessible text and supporting images guide readers as they learn about this very real environmental concern.

Polar ice caps are an important part of the environment for both humans and animals, but they're melting at an alarming rate due to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Readers learn about ice caps and their crucial presence on Earth, as well as the harmful effects of losing them, such as an increase in flooding, a loss of animal habitats, and an increase in pollution. Full-color photographs and achievable text guide readers in understanding this pivotal issue. Readers also learn important ways they can play a part in preventing the rise of sea levels.