Spotlight On Our Future

Plastic is a valuable resource. It's also problematic. Since chemist Leo Baekeland invented the first synthetic plastic in 1907, and through the rapid increase of plastic production during the 1950s, we have created billions of tons of plastic. We have polluted the world's oceans and upset the balance of natural ecosystems. With this fact-packed book, readers will gain a crucial understanding about the global significance of plastic pollution. They'll study how it evolved over time and what steps governments and activists have taken to resolve it.

There are many major health crises facing our world today. Preventable physical diseases persist globally, although our understanding of disease and medicine has advanced with innovations in science and technology. Your readers will learn about health topics such as communicable diseases, environmental threats, and the challenges of providing effective health care. Readers will understand that healthy citizens are essential to thriving communities and be empowered to take an active, problem-solving role in the effort to ensure health for all.

Since the mid-20th century, increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have shifted global climate patterns. Climate change has become a defining issue of our time. Young readers will learn about how climate change is reshaping Earth, sometimes with devastating consequences. The narrative encourages readers to draw connections between growing populations and climate change. It offers insight into emerging solutions and offers relatable examples of young activists who are using their voices to inspire change for a better tomorrow.

From massive hurricanes to devastating tornadoes to out-of-control wildfires, deadly natural disasters wreak havoc on the planet each year. Scientists have linked the incidence of natural disasters to the issue of climate change and the negative impact of human activity on the planet. Your readers will study the ramifications of pollution, deforestation, and other human activities. They'll learn about the steps being taken to protect Earth, and how they can contribute to conservation efforts.

In 2020, the illness called COVID-19 changed our world forever. However, it wasn't the first pandemic to affect human lives, and it likely won't be the last. This in-depth and honest book takes readers through the history of pandemics and the idea of public health, as well as the background of COVID-19 and the coronavirus that causes it. Manageable text makes a sometimes uncomfortable subject clearer and more understandable, and a glossary explains key terms behind the science and history involved. Color photos, primary sources, and stories of young activists making a difference in the pandemic draw in readers looking to understand more about this important topic.

Burning fossil fuels has released tremendous amounts of pollutants and carbon dioxide into Earth's atmosphere. This has resulted in devastating effects on our planet, its climate, and its ecosystems. Lawmakers, activists, and innovators around the world are seeking solutions to this dangerous issue by looking for alternatives to fossil fuels. With this informative look at energy solutions, your readers will learn the importance of clean, responsible, and renewable energy. They'll examine emerging power technologies and the possibility of energy alternatives such as nuclear fusion.

Earth is facing many threats today, leading many to question what we can do to save the planet. With this fascinating and accessible look at exciting new green technologies, readers will learn about how engineers and inventors are at the forefront of technologies to protect the environment and combat pollution. This book touches on critical STEM concepts and explores the practical applications of science, including solar panels, alternative fuels, and plant-based plastics. Readers will be inspired to become the innovators of tomorrow.

What does social justice mean? What does true equality look like? At its core, social justice refers to the way wealth, opportunities, and resources are distributed within a society. With this essential book, readers will explore the ideas of social justice and equality, and how they play out in society. By studying the history of equality movements and the leaders and activists who campaign for social justice today, readers will understand that fairness, justice, and equality are more than philosophical ideals. They will be prepared to address and set goals for reducing inequality in the future.

How can we feed the growing population of our planet? Your readers will learn about agricultural and food distribution practices around the world. They'll study the problems posed by Earth's changing weather patterns and the increasing importance of finding new solutions to food challenges we face. With examples of innovations made by scientists and contributions made by environmental activists, this book helps readers realize that they can take an active role in creating a better future for our world.

Poverty affects millions of people throughout the world. Today, 736 million people live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than 2 dollars a day. Fortunately, over the past 200 years, world poverty has been decreasing. This book explores the realities of those living in poverty, outlines the history of the issues, and examines the innovations designed to eliminate extreme poverty on a global level. Young readers will gain a greater understanding of this important issue and what they can do to help solve it.

Scientists estimate that by the year 2050, almost half of Earth's species may be extinct. This frightening prospect would have devastating effects on the future of our planet. Your readers will study the issue of endangered species and the impact that human activity has on the plants and animals of the world. Using primary sources and helpful graphics to illustrate conservation efforts, the narrative encourages readers to take an active role in helping to save endangered species.

The quality of the air we breathe affects us all. Due to industrial development and other harmful human activities, air pollution has become a growing concern throughout the world. With this fact-packed book, readers will learn about air pollution, its history, the problems it poses, and the efforts that have been made to remedy it. With inspiring examples of young environmental activists, this engaging book calls young people to action in the fight to safeguard the future of our planet.

The world is full of many challenges. One of the greatest obstacles young people around the world face today is the lack of access to quality education. Your readers will take a close look at the issue of education and what it could mean for the future of our planet. They'll learn about activists, who are using their voices to make positive changes and they'll be inspired to question what they can do to contribute to the fight for better opportunities for children around the world.

The growing mental health crisis cannot be ignored. Medical experts warn that doing so would cost countries trillions of dollars and more importantly, millions of lives. Showcasing activists and leaders who are fighting to address mental health issues and overcome the stigmas associated with them, this informative book explains what the mental health crisis is and what can be done about it. Young readers will gain a deeper understanding of mental health issues and will be inspired to use their own voices to make a difference.

Clean water should be a basic human right. However, there are still 785 million people in the world today who are living without access to safe water. Each year, nearly 1 million people die from water-related illnesses. Your readers will examine the global water crisis. They will learn how the water crisis evolved and about its impact on people, the environment, and the future of our planet. Through studying emerging efforts to solve this important issue and observing real-life examples of young activists, readers will be inspired to become the environmental advocates that Earth needs to ensure a healthy future for all.