Seven Billion and Counting

"Anyone who listens to the news recognizes the looming crises in global population growth, the depletion of natural resources, and the extinction of animal species. Charts, graphs, and plentiful color photographs help teens decipher the demographic statistics that bring these compelling issues to their level. Andregg focuses on ordinary birth, death, and growth rates rather than those caused by catastrophes or war, although he explores the impact migration has had on population from the beginning of civilization to the present. The chapters on individual continents vary in their format depending on the issues facing each, from overpopulation in some countries to a diminishing one in others; human encroachment into natural habitats for endangered animal and plant species; and the scarcity of natural resources and food in many areas of the world. This well-qualified author presents and explains the statistics, while the use of red, orange, and black text lettering; shading; vertical borders; and plentiful sharp photos emphasize the gravity and complexity of the thorny issues we face." —Booklist