Habitat Havoc

Before the American government enacted strict laws about landfills and toxic waste disposal, tragedies of pollution occurred across the country. Today, landfills are safer and more environmentally friendly, but problems can still happen. Our laws don't stop other countries from continuing poor landfill practices. Readers will learn the terrible story of Love Canal and the hazardous chemicals that can be produced by landfills. With the help of detailed sidebars and full-color photographs, the narrative introduces an important conservation topic, including its social and scientific aspects.

Natural gas can be found underground in more than two dozens states in the United States. While this clean-burning fossil fuel might be the answer to American dependence on overseas oil, the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing is causing severe ecological harm. Concise explanations of fracking will introduce readers to one of the hottest political and environmental topics of our time. Detailed fact boxes offer additional information about both sides of the debate, while full-color photographs engage readers with the havoc being wreaked on animal and human habitats.

In 1992, Canada had to stop the profitable northern cod fishing industry in Newfoundland. The fish were being harvested into extinction, and previous efforts to save the cod weren't enough. Today, more than 20 years later, the ban on cod fishing remains! Readers will learn that overfishing is a real, tangible problem all around the world. Overfishing effects habitats and animals of all kinds, from the desirable bluefin tuna to the endangered sea turtles accidentally caught in nets. Detailed content introduces readers to a controversial conservation issue while sidebars add lots of fascinating social studies and science facts.

Strip mines can be found everywhere from Appalachia to India, across China, and all the way to Australia. They may contain deposits of coal, copper, or gold. Readers will find out what strip mines are and how they are used, and discover some of the pros and cons about the operation of these mines. Full-color photographs and in-depth sidebars highlight some of the destruction that the mining practices cause and how some companies work to reclaim the land after the mines are closed.