Earth's surface is constantly being changed by heat, water, ice, salt, plants, and animals. Sometimes the changes are destructive to human activities such as farming and the building of structures. This interesting title shows the different ways people try to stop or reduce this change in the land. Examples feature such structures as dikes to hold back water and windbreaks, and adding shrubs, grass, and trees to an area of land to prevent erosion. Teacher's guide available.

"An audacious and concrete proposal…Half-Earth completes the 86-year-old Wilson’s valedictory trilogy on the human animal and our place on the planet." —Jedediah Purdy, New Republic In his most urgent book to date, Pulitzer Prize–winning author and world-renowned biologist Edward O. Wilson states that in order to stave off the mass extinction of species, including our own, we must move swiftly to preserve the biodiversity of our planet. In this "visionary blueprint for saving the planet" (Stephen Greenblatt), Half-Earth argues that the situation facing us is too large to be solved piecemeal and proposes a solution commensurate with the magnitude of the problem: dedicate fully half the surface of the Earth to nature. Identifying actual regions of the planet that can still be reclaimed—such as the California redwood forest, the Amazon River basin, and grasslands of the Serengeti, among others—Wilson puts aside the prevailing pessimism of our times and "speaks with a humane eloquence which calls to us all" (Oliver Sacks).

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.

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.

Nearly all living things depend on Earth’s land and its resources to survive. But did you know that people do many things that hurt the land? The damage sometimes destroys forests, which are home to diverse ecosystems and are important in producing oxygen and water. And in many parts of the world, damaged land produces less food, less wood, and less of many things that people need. We must join together in the quest to find better ways to use and take care of Earth’s land. With engaging text and eye-catching images—plus a special Going Green section—this book tells you all about Earth’s land and what you can do to protect it.

An essential tool to teach kids about the importance of water! Did you know that water covers almost three-fourths of Earth’s surface? More than half the world’s creatures live in this water. And the rest cannot survive without it! That’s why it is so important to protect this vital resource, which has been threatened by pollution and other human-made dangers. Discover more about what is threatening Earth’s most precious resource, as well as what is being done to protect it, in Protecting Earth’s Waters. ABOUT THE SERIES: Earth is known as the Blue Planet because of the abundant amount of water that covers our home. And nothing on Earth could survive without it. As we find ourselves facing a global water crisis, learning about this life-giving resource has never been more important. The books in this series are filled with colorful photos and diagrams, plus easy-to-digest text, and fascinating facts. And they offer young readers an in-depth look at what water is, how we use it, and most importantly, what we can do to protect it.

From roaring oceans to trickling streams, water covers seventy percent of our planet! But did you know that less than one percent of Earth’s water is usable by humans? Most water on Earth is salt water. It can’t be used for drinking, bathing, or growing plants. We need freshwater. Yet about two-thirds of Earth’s freshwater is frozen solid at the North and South Poles. And the water we can access—from lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, or underground sources—is in danger of being polluted. There is not enough water to waste. We must join together in the quest to protect this valuable resource. With engaging text and eye-catching images—plus a special Going Green section—this book tells you all about Earth’s water and what you can do to protect it.