effect of human beings on

A collection of thirty-two essays by leading thinkers across the disciplines. These essays explore the Anthropocene from scientific, anthropological, social, artistic, and economic points of view. They seek to understand the drivers of human-induced environmental change as well as how people and planetary systems are adapting to such change. Each writer offers invaluable insight into Earth's future as the Anthropocene accelerates.

"An easy-to-understand overview of the state of our planet and its future, using eye-opening and accessible charts, graphs, and infographics"--OCLC.

Argues that the world is headed for ecological disaster and draws from ecologically successful traditional societies to provide lessons for the modern world on conservation and environmental management.

Explores ways to map the impact of humans on the environment.

"Readers are shown examples of invasive snakes [and] frogs ... to reveal the pattern of species introduction and habitat takeover. Identifying the adaptations of species like the cane toad, the title teaches students to compare the strengths and weaknesses of Earth's animals. The susceptibility of habitats such as Florida's emphasizes the delicacy of the food chain. By analyzing and comparing cases of invasive species, readers discover how humans impact the natural world and the work that must be done to keep the balance"--Provided by publisher.

Provides an introduction to invasive mammals and the impact they have on a habitat.

Looks at the plants, insects, mammals, and other creatures that are connected in backyard food chains and how these chains form a large backyard food web.

When painter Winslow Homer first sailed into the Gulf of Mexico, he was struck by its "special kind of providence." Indeed, the Gulf presented itself as America?s sea?bound by geography, culture, and tradition to the national experience?and yet, there has never been a comprehensive history of the Gulf until now. And so, in this rich and original work that explores the Gulf through our human connection with the sea, environmental historian Jack E. Davis finally places this exceptional region into the American mythos in a sweeping history that extends from the Pleistocene age to the twenty-first century.

For the first time in Earth's history, our planet is experiencing a confluence of rapidly accelerating changes prompted by one species: humans. Climate change is only the most visible of the modifications we've made--up until this point, inadvertently--to the planet. And our current behavior threatens not only our own future but that of countless other creatures. By comparing Earth's story to those of other planets, astrobiologist David Grinspoon shows what a strange and novel development it is for a species to evolve to build machines, and ultimately, global societies with world-shaping influence.

"In 2011, scientists studying mammals in southern Florida announced a shocking discovery. In just a few years, the number of bobcats, raccoons, opossums, and other animals in the area had dropped sharply. The scientists soon figured out what was causing the mammals to disappear--Burmese pythons. Since their arrival from Asia in the 1990s, the deadly snakes were wreaking havoc on the wildlife in the Everglades. The giant reptiles, some more than 20 feet in length and weighing more than 200 pounds, are able to kill and swallow creatures as large as deer and alligators! In Florida's Burmese Pythons: Squeezing the Everglades, students will learn all about these dangerous snakes. The fascinating account describes how Burmese pythons first arrived in Florida from Asia as pets, how they may have made their way into the wild, and how expert snake hunters are helping scientists control their population today. Large color photos, maps, and fact boxes enrich the dramatic details. Written in narrative format, this series is sure to keep young readers engaged"--Provided by the publisher.