Africa is well known for its fascinating wildlife and its abundant natural resources. However, the continents resources are shrinking rapidly as a result of industrialization and population growth. In recent years scientists have seen a dramatic loss in wildlife and habitat, an increase in air and water pollution, and disturbing signs of climate change. This book discusses the ecological issues facing Africa today, including deforestation and desertification, threats to the continents biodiversity, pollution, and shortages of safe drinking water. It also explains steps some African leaders are taking to address and resolve these serious problems.

Statistics show that 3,200 couples file for divorce every day in the United States, which clearly has an impact on the strength of families. Young people feel the painthe Gallup Organization has found that 75 percent of teenagers between 13 and 17 believe divorce is too easy to get. This volume examines the influences parents and families play in the lives of young people in the United States.

Drugs have become a part of modern society in both their legal and illegal forms. This book asks the important questions about both medicinal drugs and drugs of abuse. Why do some people take drugs? How harmful and addictive are they? Why are antibiotics no longer working? Should all drugs be legalized in the future? The Critical World Issues series explores some of the most controversial and newsworthy subjects in the modern world. Each book examines the facts about the issue being covered, with information about arguments and opinions from around the globe. Special research projects, as well as a great variety of additional resources, invite the reader to engage with the issues that are currently shaping our world. Each title in this series contains color photos throughout, maps, and graphics that will help student readers put major events into historical perspective. Back matter includes: timelines, a detailed index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear 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 in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are 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. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader’s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

There are few issues that elicit such debate as assisted suicide. For some, assisted suicide is an important legal right for those battling fatal issues. For others, it stands for only self-harm and chaos. In this book, legal experts, journalists, activists, and ordinary civilians weigh in on this important issue, providing a wide range of viewpoints for readers. Readers are encouraged to think critically about what they have read and to form their own opinions through guided questions that follow each article.

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. . Euthanasia has long been a controversial issue among religious and political groups. Readers will explore both sides of the issue in a straightforward manner, free from bias. Then readers are encouraged to study the issue and make an informed decision on where his or her beliefs lie.

Medical science has made amazing advances in recent years. New treatments for diseases and advances in genetics have made it possible for Americans to live longer, healthier lives. However, these medical advances have been accompanied by a huge increase in the cost of healthcare, which has made it unaffordable to many Americans. This book explores major issues in health care today, including the pros and cons of the single-payer health care system, the legalization of medical marijuana, and price controls on pharmaceuticals. The Contemporary Issues Pro-Con series is to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing to reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

In the wake of an extremely contentious U.S. presidential election that touched upon several hot-button issues including the right to marry and the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, debate has erupted regarding the language people use to describe both political issues and groups of people. This book takes a look at the widening gap between those who believe political correctness is an unnecessary affectation and those who believe a greater good can be achieved with increased sensitivity in how we talk to, and about, each other. Through analyzing a range of viewpoints, students are encouraged to form their own opinions on this important topic.

One of the major issues occupying today's headlines is immigration, and especially, who should be allowed to come to the United States and who should be forced to leave through the process of deportation. Exploring this issue means not only looking at the experiences of immigrants, but also the repercussions of barring certain groups of people on the basis of religion or fear. From building a wall between Mexico and the United States, to the fate of children separated from their parents when they have illegally entered the country, these issues fill U.S. headlines every day.

Freedom of religion is an important part of life in the United States. What does religious freedom actually entail, and why is it a controversial issue? Readers explore the answers to these questions as they learn about the history of religious freedom in the United States and how it compares to other countries. The fact-filled main text addresses this sensitive issue in an unbiased way, and full-color photographs encourage readers to appreciate religious diversity. Eye-catching fact boxes provide additional information about this current events topic, and a graphic organizer provides examples of how to practice tolerance.

More than 7 billion people live on Earth today, so making sure that the planet remains habitable and hospitable for our species is of vital importance. Yet, many scientists are concerned that human activity-rom water and air pollution to the emission of greenhouse gases that affect the climate-threatens the stability of the environment. This book examines differing viewpoints on how to best protect our environment and utilize the earth's natural resources. The Contemporary Issues Pro-Con series is to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing to reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

Animal testing is a controversial issue, with some arguing it is essential to medical advancement and others stating it is cruel and unnecessary. In this book, articles from a variety of viewpoints and individuals, including scientists, government and legal professionals, media outlets, and ordinary citizens, highlight key areas of contention over animal testing. Questions at the end of each article encourage readers to think critically about what they have read and to form their own opinions on this important issue.