MS Library: Earth Day

Beautifully combining art and science, The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth is an illustrated tour of the planet that reveals ecosystems large and small, from reefs, deserts, and rainforests to ponds, backyard gardens, and even a drop of water. Through exquisite drawings, maps, and infographics, New York Times best-selling author Rachel Ignotofsky makes earth science accessible and entertaining, explaining how our planet works, from its diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants, to the levels of ecology, the importance of biodiversity, the carbon cycle, weather cycles, and more. Perfect for nature-loving readers ages 10 and up, this is an utterly charming and educational guide to the world we live in.

The essential pocket primer on climate change that will leave an indelible impact on everyone who reads it. "Hope Jahren asks the central question of our time: how can we learn to live on a finite planet?" (Elizabeth Kolbert, author of The Sixth Extinction). "Hope Jahren is the voice that science has been waiting for." --Nature Hope Jahren is an award-winning scientist, a brilliant writer, a passionate teacher, and one of the seven billion people with whom we share this earth. In The Story of More, she illuminates the link between human habits and our imperiled planet. In concise, highly readable chapters, she takes us through the science behind the key inventions--from electric power to large-scale farming to automobiles--that, even as they help us, release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere like never before. She explains the current and projected consequences of global warming--from superstorms to rising sea levels--and the actions that we all can take to fight back. At once an explainer on the mechanisms of global change and a lively, personal narrative given to us in Jahren's inimitable voice, The Story of More is "a superb account of the deadly struggle between humanity and what may prove the only life-bearing planet within ten light years" (E. O. Wilson).

"[A] uniquely inclusive perspective that will inspire conviction, passion, and action." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) An empowering, engaging young readers guide to understanding and battling climate change from the expert and bestselling author of This Changes Everything and On Fire, Naomi Klein. Warmer temperatures. Fires in the Amazon. Superstorms. These are just some of the effects of climate change that we are already experiencing. The good news is that we can all do something about it. A movement is already underway to combat not only the environmental effects of climate change but also to fight for climate justice and make a fair and livable future possible for everyone. And young people are not just part of that movement, they are leading the way. They are showing us that this moment of danger is also a moment of great opportunity--an opportunity to change everything. Full of empowering stories of young leaders all over the world, this information-packed book from award-winning journalist and one of the foremost voices for climate justice, Naomi Klein, offers young readers a comprehensive look at the state of the climate today and how we got here, while also providing the tools they need to join this fight to protect and reshape the planet they will inherit.

Feeding the world, climate change, biodiversity, antibiotics, plastics - the list of concerns seems endless. But what is most pressing, what are the knock-on effects of our actions, and what should we do first? Do we all need to become vegetarian? How can we fly in a low-carbon world? Should we frack? How can we take control of technology? Does it all come down to population? And, given the global nature of the challenges we now face, what on Earth can any of us do? Fortunately, Mike Berners-Lee has crunched the numbers and plotted a course of action that is practical and even enjoyable. There is No Planet B maps it out in an accessible and entertaining way, filled with astonishing facts and analysis. For the first time you'll find big-picture perspective on the environmental and economic challenges of the day laid out in one place, and traced through to the underlying roots - questions of how we live and think. This book will shock you, surprise you - and then make you laugh. And you'll find practical and even inspiring ideas for what you can actually do to help humanity thrive on this - our only - planet.

With shades of When You Reach Me, The Thing About Jellyfish, and Bridge to Terabithia, and a big, timely climate hook at its core, here is a heartfelt middle grade debut about the inevitability of change that will resonate profoundly during these extraordinary times. Spring has arrived, and yet an unyielding winter freeze has left Louisa snowed into her apartment building for months with parents coping with extreme stress, a little brother struggling with cabin fever, and--awkwardly--her neighbor and former close friend, Luke. The new realities of this climate disaster have not only affected Louisa's family, but when Luke's dad has an ice-related accident and it's unclear if he'll recover, both families' lives are turned upside down. Desperate to find an escape from the grief plaguing their homes, Louisa and Luke build a massive snow fort in their yard. But their creation opens up an otherworldly window to what could lie ahead, and sets them on a mission: to restore the universe to its rightful order, so the ice will melt and life will return to "normal". With a deft combination of heartfelt prose and a touch of magic, Monica Sherwood's affecting debut novel is a relatable story of families grappling with--and emerging from--a different kind of quarantine.

Our house is on fire - it's time to wake up to the climate emergency facing planet Earth before it's too late. This book maps the causes of climate change, the effects it is having on our workd, and what we can do to turn things around.

A fascinating look at the future of our oceans-and how human actions may change them. The Earth-our home-is covered mostly with water- the wide, deep, salty, and very blue ocean. It regulates our climate in a way that makes life as we know it possible. This huge ocean is full of an amazing amount of life, most of which is too small to see. But life in the ocean is in trouble. The ocean is becoming hotter, more polluted, and, in places, empty of life. The right amount of warming is good for us, but too much warming is causing shifts that are not good for life in the ocean. Global warming, pollution, and overfishing are creating a New Ocean, in which life is changing drastically. This book tells the stories of the probable fates of six sea dwellers- jellyfish, orcas, sea turtles, tuna, corals, and blue-green algae. What becomes of them may help you understand what becomes of us. Praise for Bryn Barnard's Outbreak! and Dangerous Planet- "An absorbing narrative that includes touches of humor. . . . Teachers will find many uses for this, but the book is so engaging it will also attract browsers-and hold them." -Booklist, Starred "An engrossing introduction for young adult readers to the chillingly topical subject of man vs. microbe." -The Wall Street Journal

The average American lifestyle is kept afloat by about 2,000 gallons of H2O a day. The numbers are shocking. Your Water Footprint reveals the true cost of our lifestyle. A "water footprint" is the amount of fresh water used to produce the goods and services we consume, including growing, harvesting, packaging, and shipping. From the foods we eat to the clothes we wear to the books we read and the music we listen to, all of it costs more than what we pay at the check-out. The 125 footprint facts in this book show the true cost of our lifestyle and what it is doing to Earth, including draining it dry. The "Virtual Water Concept" shows the amount of water used in human activities. Presented in clever, understandable graphics, Your Water Footprint raises readers' awareness of how much water is used to make the things we use, consume and grow. What we put on our dinner table has a very high cost. Nearly 95 percent of our water footprint is hidden in the food we eat: One pound of lettuce costs 15 gallons of freshwater; mango 190 gallons; avocado 220 gallons; tofu 244 gallons; rice 403 gallons; olives 522 gallons; pork 1,630 gallons; butter 2,044 gallons; chocolate 2,847 gallons; and beef 2,500 to 5,000 gallons. A slice of bread costs 10 gallons but if you eat it with a slice of cheese, it takes another 13 gallons. One glass of beer takes 20 gallons of water, and just one standard cup of tea costs 120 same-sized cups of water. A cotton t-shirt takes almost as much water as beef, a pair of jeans even more. In fact, all aspects of our daily lives require water in some way, shape or form. The saying that "nothing is free" applies more to water than anything else we consume, considering just three percent of the world's water is drinkable and that we are using more of it than ever before. Factor in climate change, population growth and pollution and we have an unsustainable situation. Many experts predict dire water shortages if we continue on our current path. Your Water Footprint is riveting. Consumers of all ages will be stunned by what it reveals. It is an excellent reference and an exciting way to introduce the resource-consumption equation to students.

Going on vacation? From the planning stage on, this book explains ways to have a "green" vacation. Includes tips about things to do before leaving, such as canceling the paper and turning down the heat. Talks about environmentally friendly means of travel and things to do--and avoid--once reaching your destination. Ecotourism is also explored.

Kids all around the world are doing something every day to change the world. Here are the stories of 45 of them. Whether it's in United States or Canada, Russia or Australia, China or Argentina, there are young people working hard to make the world a better place. They are schoolgirls trying to save the last bogs and wild pods in Hungary. Schoolboys trying to preserve marine biology in Madagascar or plant trees to reverse the effects of climate change. The 45 young heroes featured in this book have discovered issues that concerned them and they they did something about it. With skills ranging from singing, drawing, and painting to fund-raising, public demonstrations, and events, these are the stories of individuals who have fought climate change and pollution, and worked to protect animals and their natural habitats. While the stories alone are compelling, they are also accompanied by stunning and dynamic photographs from Yann Arthus-Bertrand. This inspiring and powerful book includes reference materials and suggestions on how you can get involved and become an environmental hero, too! Praise for Kids Who Are Changing the World "This is a very inspiring non-fiction book... it shares stories about young people who are doing incredible things to make the environment a better place." -- San Francisco Book Review "It's impressive to see the variety of kids that author Anne Jankeliowitch features: children -- some still in grade school, some in non-traditional learning environments -- who saw a need and acted upon it, proving there is no age or ability limit to make a difference... and when you add in photography by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, you've got a hopeful, optimistic winner to read." -- Bookworm Sez

An indispensible guide for savvy teens to sort food myths from reality. The everyday choices we make when it comes to food don't just have an effect on us--they also affect other people and the planet. Foodprints enables readers to do more than sort through the numerous messages they hear and read about food--they also get the big picture about food production, marketing, and its role in society. Readers will discover: * How our food system evolved from hunter gatherers to on-line ordering * How mega farms and factories came to produce the bulk of our current food supply * How to work through confusing nutrition advice like good and bad carbs, as well as trendy superfoods such as kale, and fad diets * The role of science in the modern food system, from improving safety and convenience to GMOs and artificial flavors * Stories about youth who are working to shape the future of food in positive ways, such as guerilla gardening and media activism. Select photographs and amusing artwork that pops on the page complement this lively exploration which decodes the surprisingly complex subject of one of our most basic needs--the food we eat.

Vegan food is good for you and for the planet. But if you're thinking of revolutionizing your diet, you need to get the facts first. Learn about the benefits and challenges of a diet that does not include meat or animal products such as eggs and dairy. Helpful tips, delicious vegan recipes, and how tos will make the switch so much easier. Want to change the world? Now you can, one plate at a time.

If you were given one trillion dollars, to be spent in a year, on science, what would you do? It's an unimaginably large sum, yet it's also the total of the money held by the Norwegian oil investment fund alone, or the current valuations of Apple Computer and of Amazon. So it's both huge and possible. But what could you achieve? You could eradicate malaria, for one, or end global poverty. You could start to colonise Mars. You could build a massive particle collider to explore the nature of dark matter like never before. You could mine asteroids, build quantum computers, develop artificial consciousness, or increase human lifespan. Or how about transitioning the whole world to renewable energy? Or preserving the rainforests? Or saving all endangered species? You could refreeze the melting Arctic, reverse climate change, cure all diseases, and even launch a new sustainable agricultural revolution.

Learn how overpopulation, coastal development, and global warming have impacted our oceans. Trace the imprint humans have made on the oceans' bounties -- the dead zones, sick seas, and other symptoms of their failing health -- and what this means to the future of life on Earth. Book jacket.

This series will make readers wonder what might happen if particular events occurred. Grounded in fact, each book assesses the possibility or threat of an event, from melting ice caps to a fuel shortage. Each book also offers suggestions on how to respond to these environmental and ecological challenges before it's too late.

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.

Build your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right level We use oil every day - whether on the bus to school or writing with a pen. But where does it come from? What impact is our use of it having on the environment? What will happen when we run out completely? Explore the answers to these questions in this detailed information book, with stunning photographs and clear diagrams. Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books. Text type: A non-chronological report. Curriculum links: Geography: Improving the Environment, Citizenship: Choices. This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

The #1 New York Times bestseller by Time's 2019 Person of the Year "Greta Thunberg is already one of our planet's greatest advocates." --Barack Obama The groundbreaking speeches of Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist who has become the voice of a generation, including her historic address to the United Nations  In August 2018 a fifteen-year-old Swedish girl, Greta Thunberg, decided not to go to school one day in order to protest the climate crisis. Her actions sparked a global movement, inspiring millions of students to go on strike for our planet, forcing governments to listen, and earning her a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. No One Is Too Small to Make A Difference brings you Greta in her own words, for the first time. Collecting her speeches that have made history across the globe, from the United Nations to Capitol Hill and mass street protests, her book is a rallying cry for why we must all wake up and fight to protect the living planet, no matter how powerless we feel. Our future depends upon it.

Why are polar bears going hungry? What is happening to their icy home? Learn about the climate changes that are occurring in the Arctic and in other parts of the world.

All the "stuff" that surrounds us has a life cycle: materials are harvested, the stuff is made and distributed, it's consumed and then it gets trashed or recycled. Using the typical contents of a child's school backpack (defined as water, food, clothing, paper, plastic, metals, electronics), this book explores those stages in detail, including lots of ways to reduce, reuse or recycle waste along the way. Children will gain new insight into the routine decisions they make about their own consuming and trashing or recycling practices. For example: How long does it take for a cotton T-shirt to decompose in a landfill? Can a bike helmet be made from recyclable materials? Which is better for the Earth, wrapping a sandwich in aluminum foil or plastic? By learning to use critical thinking skills to make informed choices, children will feel empowered by the important, constructive role they can play in the future health of the planet. Author Erica Fyvie has found a way to use everyday objects to speak directly to children's curiosity and their desire to make a difference. With infographics, short subsections, sidebars and charts, the information presented is engaging and accessible. Playful illustrations by award-winning illustrator Bill Slavin help make complex subjects easier to understand, while keeping the tone friendly. From energy to climate, innovations to sustainability, this all-encompassing look at a timely topic is the perfect go-to resource for elementary science and social studies classrooms. Includes a glossary, resources, bibliography and index.

From the atmosdragon causing global warming to the smogosaurus polluting our air, real-life environmental monsters are everywhere! Discover how planet-destroying monsters survive. Learn their weaknesses. Then, join the fight to vanquish the beasts and save our planet!

This new edition of Free Spirit's best-selling youth service guide includes a refreshed "Ten Steps to Successful Service Projects" plus hundreds of up-to-date ideas for projects--from simple to large-scale. At a time when U.S. President Barack Obama has called for increased participation in community service, this revitalized book is sure to find a whole new audience of eager young change-makers.

This book is packed with smart, practical and fun things you can do to make a real difference to the future of the planet.