What's Really Happening to Our Planet?

July 1, 2016

Gr 7 Up-A passionate call to action by one of Britain's most influential environmentalists, this work gives us a snapshot of the current state of our planet and a sense of what is to come if we do not change course. The book is divided into three sections: primary causes of change, major consequences, and a glimpse at the future. Each subject area (for example, "Rise of Consumerism," "The Greenhouse Effect," "Nature's Spaces") is given a spread with a couple of paragraphs of text and bright graphs, charts, maps, and diagrams that illustrate key statistics. Some pages also feature color photographs. A glossary, index, and references (primarily online and quite recent) add great value to this sobering volume. Text boxes on a few pages headed "What Can We Do?" and "What Can I Do?" offer practical suggestions to those who wish to take positive action, and help temper the overwhelmingly distressing nature of the facts presented. VERDICT A comprehensive and visually appealing work that tackles subjects of importance. Ideal for browsing and as a jumping-off point for in-depth research.-Laura Simeon, Open Window School Library, WA

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