Spotlight on global issues

Briefly explores the COVID-19 pandemic and similar health threats that have affected a wide range of the world's people. Discusses the ways the world's governments respond to and prepare for health threats like pandemics. Includes photographs and a glossary.

Learn about endangered species and the impact that human activity has on the many plants and animals that share our planet.

Learn about the damage done to Earth through pollution, deforestation, and other human activities.

From solar power technology to the dream of nuclear fusion, people are stepping up to put many different energy sources into practical use.

Fairness, justice, and equality are more than philosophical ideals-- around the world, many are taking action.

"Through much of human history, only a small, elite group escaped the hardships of poverty. Industrialization helped reverse that trend, and world poverty has been steadily decreasing for 200 years. However, is the total eradication of poverty possible? This book traces the history and understanding of poverty, explores the realities of those living in poverty around the world, and examines innovations designed to eliminate extreme poverty on a global level. Helpful graphics, photographs, and clear language break down this important issue for young readers"--Provided by publisher.

"With all the concerns and problems in the world today, mental health issues may seem inevitable and unavoidable. However, medical experts warn that ignoring the world's growing mental health crisis will not only cost countries trillions of dollars but also millions of lives. This informative volume will outline and explain that crisis, discuss what can be done about it, and showcase activists and leaders fighting to address mental health issues and work against the stigmas that so often come with mental illness. Photographs, helpful graphics, and real-world advice will make this a useful book for young readers who want to make a difference"--Provided by publisher.

"Today, 785 million people are living without access to safe water. Water-related illnesses are responsible for almost 1 million deaths each year. Clean water should be a basic human right, but far too few people have access to it. In this informative text, readers will study the global water crisis, how it reached its current state, and its impact on the environment and human lives. Real-life examples of the steps being taken to save Earth's water resources and improve the quality and availability of drinking water will inspire budding environmentalists to take action"--Provided by publisher.

"Climate change is rapidly reshaping Earth in devastating ways. Since the mid-20th century, the planet has been warming at an unprecedented rate. This informative book is designed to educate young readers about climate change, a defining issue of their time. The text features real-world examples of young activists who are using their powerful voices to inspire change and true stories about scientists working on cutting-edge solutions. It encourages readers to draw connections between rising populations and climate change, explore solutions to this global issue, and advocate for change"--Provided by publisher.

"In 1907, a chemist named Leo Baekeland invented the first synthetic plastic. In the little more than 100 years since, plastic has benefited humanity even while we polluted Earth with it. During the 1950s, plastic production rapidly increased and since then, people have created billions of tons of plastic. Millions of tons of plastic enter the world's fragile oceans and ecosystems every year. This informative book examines the globally significant plastic pollution problem, how it got so bad, and the steps that governments, activists, and young people are taking to demand change"--Provided by publisher.