Wilson West Middle School Library: 7th Grade Pollution

Today's social and headline-making dilemmas, with their various shades of gray, engage readers in energetic debate. From snooping surveillance cameras to powerful media influence, these are the issues that impact our lives every day. Packed with solid facts, pro and con viewpoints, and debate questions, this series encourages readers to discuss current events and modern history.

Environment: An Illustrated Guide to Science is one of eight volumes of Facts On File's new ""Science Visual Resources"" set. Containing seven sections, a comprehensive glossary, a Web site guide, and an index, Biology is an ideal learning tool for students and teachers of science. Full-colour diagrams, graphs, charts, and maps on every page illustrate the essential elements of the subject, while parallel text provides key definitions and step-by-step explanations. The seven sections include: ""People Factor"" - describes one of the most important elements in any consideration of the environment - the human population of Earth. There are detailed descriptions of world population distribution, demographics, fertility, and death rates. Major environment-influencing factors such as vehicle ownership, urbanization, and the demand for firewood are examined. ""Food and Water"" - examines the two most basic commodities: trends in the availability of fresh water and global production figures for all kinds of food. Hazards threatening the sustainability of food production and the provision of fresh water are also described. ""Land Degradation"" - is concerned with the processes that are reducing the capacity of the land to both support biodiversity and produce food for the human population. Among these processes are deforestation, erosion, and desertification. ""Land and Sea Pollution"" - is an overview of the processes that introduce pollutants to the marine and terrestrial environments, compromising their ability to support life. The production of energy, the generation and disposal of industrial and domestic waste, bioaccumulation, sewage disposal, and nuclear waste disposal are all discussed. ""Air Pollution"" - considers the processes that introduce pollutants to the atmosphere and the consequences of that pollution. Greenhouse gases and their influence on global warming, acid rain, and the threat to the ozone layer are the major topics in this section. ""Nature Under Threat"" - looks at the growing threat to global biodiversity posed by human population growth combined with unsustainable patterns of consumption; increasing production of waste and pollutants; urban development; international conflict; and continuing inequalities in the distribution of wealth and resources. ""Environmental Disasters"" - focuses on some catastrophic cases of pollution, particularly those relating to the uncontrolled release of oil, chemicals, and radioactive material into the environment.

Presents an examination of water pollution, explaining the sources, threats to the planet, and possible solutions to the problem.

Over a fifth of the world's population does not have access to safe drinking water. One of the main causes is human activities, from dumping and domestic sewage to agricultural and industrial runoff. This book takes and in-depth look at the sources of water pollution and the need to conserve our limited supply. Examples look at the effects on people, animals, and plants, as well as the countries, organizations, and individuals working to prevent further damage.

Why is only around .01 percent of fresh water easily available? How much water do you need each day? What is "virtual water"? How much water can you save by turning the faucet off when you brush your teeth? From watering plants to providing safe drinking water, Conserving Our Fresh Water looks at the issues surrounding one of the world's most precious resources. Discover what a sustainable future for fresh water means and what you can do to help. Book jacket.

Ideal for classroom discussions and reports on current events, this series takes an in-depth look at six global problems facing us today. Each book clearly explains the causes and effects of a major problem and suggests solutions. This series allows students to dig deeper into issues they hear about in the media.

It is no wonder that water is always in the news: it covers about three quarters of the planet's surface, and humans need a clean supply of water to live. The quality and quantity of water directly impacts our economy, our health, and our environment. ""Water in the News"" explores the science behind the headlines; contaminated drinking water, disappearing wetlands, and oceans under threat from overfishing and global warming are just a few of the pressing concerns discussed in this book. But readers will learn that there is good news, too, as various organizations, governments, and many individuals work to protect and promote wise use of our many water resources. In addition to providing the basic science background, ""Water in the News"" puts each topic into a historical context, helping students stay afloat of the information necessary to fully understand these important issues.

How Can We Save Our World looks at how the idea of sustainable development is having an increasing influence on a wide range of human activities. The books examine the environmental costs and unsustainable nature of modern life, and discuss ways in which society can progress towards a more sustainable future. Sustainable Water Resources describes the origins of the world's water and how we use water in our homes, industries, and agriculture. It discusses: The pressures on the water supply today How water shortages affect people's lives Technological solutions for providing clean water and processing water How we can use water more efficiently to ensure there is enough for all. Book jacket.

Discusses the pros and cons of hydroelectric power, including an overview of its history in the United States and other countries' attempts to balance electric needs and the environment.

In his award-winning book WATER, Marq de Villiers provides an eye-opening account of how we are using, misusing, and abusing our planet's most vital resource. Encompassing ecological, historical, and cultural perspectives, de Villiers reports from hot spots as diverse as China, Las Vegas, and the Middle East, where swelling populations and unchecked development have stressed fresh water supplies nearly beyond remedy. Political struggles for control of water rage around the globe, and rampant pollution daily poses dire ecological theats. With one eye on these looming crises and the other on the history of our dependence on our planet's most precious commodity, de Villiers has crafted a powerful narrative about the lifeblood of civilizations that will be "a wake-up call for concerned citizens, environmentalists, policymakers, and water drinkers everywhere" (Publishers Weekly).

Each book in the series focuses on one energy source such as hydrogen, oil, or wind. Volumes trace the development of the technology, examine the controversies surrounding the energy source in a pro-con format, and explore how the source will meet future energy needs.

Water is an essential part of life on Earth. But in some places, it's running out. Through expert analysis and informational insets, students will learn about water scarcity, pollution, the impact on public health, and how to protect this diminishing resource. Take Action boxes will show teens how they can help stop the drought.

New York Times and Los Angeles Times Bestseller! As every day brings urgent reports of growing water shortages around the world, there is no time to lose in the search for solutions. The U.S. government predicts that forty of our fifty states-and 60 percent of the earth's land surface-will soon face alarming gaps between available water and the growing demand for it. Without action, food prices will rise, economic growth will slow, and political instability is likely to follow. Let There Be Water illustrates how Israel can serve as a model for the United States and countries everywhere by showing how to blunt the worst of the coming water calamities. Even with 60 percent of its country made of desert, Israel has not only solved its water problem; it also had an abundance of water. Israel even supplies water to its neighbors-the Palestinians and the Kingdom of Jordan-every day. Based on meticulous research and hundreds of interviews, Let There Be Water reveals the methods and techniques of the often offbeat inventors who enabled Israel to lead the world in cutting-edge water technology. Let There Be Water also tells unknown stories of how cooperation on water systems can forge diplomatic ties and promote unity. Remarkably, not long ago, now-hostile Iran relied on Israel to manage its water systems, and access to Israel's water know-how helped to warm China's frosty relations with Israel. Beautifully written, Let There Be Water is and inspiring account of the vision and sacrifice by a nation and people that have long made water security a top priority. Despite scant natural water resources, a rapidly growing population and economy, and often hostile neighbors, Israel has consistently jumped ahead of the water innovation-curve to assure a dynamic, vital future for itself. Every town, every country, and every reader can benefit from learning what Israel did to overcome daunting challenges and transform itself from a parched land into a water superpower.

Water is one the most vital resources on the planet. Humans can live for weeks without food but only a few days without water. We cook with it, swim in it, and fish in it. Yet we humans often abuse water. We taint it with chemicals and human sewage. Water is more precious to us than gold, and yet we often waste it. As our population grows, there may not be enough freshwater to go around. The countries of North America have always had plentiful natural resources. But the exploitation of these resources comes at a cost, and in certain cases, some have wondered if that cost is too high. North American Natural Resources explores all facets of this vital aspect of our economy. Readers will investigate the natural history, human use, technology, environmental impact, and economic significance of the most significant resources on the continent. Each title in this series contains color photos, a full-page map, and back matter including: an index, further reading lists for books and internet resources, and a series glossary. Mason Crest's editorial team has placed Key Icons to Look for throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are then used in the prose throughout that chapter, and are emboldened, so that the reader is able to reference back to the definitions- building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. A Series Glossary is included in the back matter contains terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

Offering information at multiple levels for several reading levels, this series describes the many dimensions of the climate-created problems that accompany global warming and mankinds abuse of the environment. Touching on ozone problems, acid rain, wildlife, rain forests, food, climate change, waste, and water in individual volumes, the interdependence of all systems is stressed in the books. Each volume concludes with a fact file and suggestions for the reader on how to improve the environment.