KINGFISHER KNOWLEDGE takes readers into the heart of a subject.Stunning photographs and thought-provoking digital artwork capture the essence of each topic, while compelling text guides the reader through a wealth of information. Each chapter encourages the reader to discover more through links to websites, books and places to visit, and also suggests possible career opportunities.

 KFK Endangered Planet explores the delicate web of natural cycles that supports millions of species, from single-celled bacteria to the rare giant panda,and reveals how our ever-growing demand for food, fuel and living space threatens to damage earth's habitats beyond repair. From the shrinking wetlands of southern Florida to the thickening band of greenhouse gases that cloaks the world, our planet is under pressure. Could new technology provide a solution? Every year, more of our energy comes from renewable sources, such as sunshine, wind and flowing water, while the latest recycled products keep pollution and waste to a minimum.But with earth's human population expected to hit 11 billion by the year 2100,the struggle to preserve our planet will be the greatest challenge of this century.

Foreword

CHAPTER 1

FRAGILE EARTH

The living planet

Natural cycles

Evolution

Homes and habitats

Coping with change

Summary

CHAPTER 2

PLANET UNDER

PRESSURE

An escalating impact

Population growth

Habitat destruction

Growing food

Expanding cities

The age of waste

Liquid assets

Energy addicts

Air pollution

The greenhouse effect

Climate change

Wildlife under threat

Summary

CHAPTER 3

SUSTAINABLE WORLD

Conserving resources

Science to the rescue?

Renewable energy

Reuse and recycling

Wildlife protection

The future

Summary

Glossary

Index 

Acknowledgements