Books in Top Six Threats to Civilization series

"Some scientists believe that a large outbreak of an extremely deadly infectious disease is likely to occur soon. A virus could either develop naturally or be created by terrorists or hostile states for use as a weapon. This book uses photographs, sidebars, and a glossary to explain the most pressing of these threats we face today, and what individuals and organizations are doing to prevent an outbreak"--Provided by publisher.

"Some scientists believe that a large outbreak of an extremely deadly infectious disease is likely to occur soon. A virus could either develop naturally or be created by terrorists or hostile states for use as a weapon. This book uses photographs, sidebars, and a glossary to explain the most pressing of these threats we face today, and what individuals and organizations are doing to prevent an outbreak"--Provided by publisher.

The world is now home to more than 7.5 billion people, and the population is growing faster than ever before. Many experts have questioned whether Earth can sustain this growing population, or whether famine and water shortages are an inevitable result. Middle school readers will discover all the challenges in food and water production that humans face today, and learn about global efforts to battle the threat of food shortages. Full-color photographs, sidebars, and a glossary aid in their understanding of the issue.

There are more than sixteen thousand nuclear weapons in the world today, almost all of them significantly more powerful than the two atomic bombs that killed as many as 240,000 people in Japan during World War II. With the aid of sidebars, full-color images, and a glossary, young readers will learn about the history of modern nuclear weapons, from the Manhattan Project and the standoff of the Cold War to the recent concerns surrounding nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea. This book also examines protections that have been put in place to prevent nuclear confrontation on a global scale.

Financial meltdowns could leave whole nations destitute, ruin businesses, and cause major social and political upheavals. How likely is it that such a disastrous chain of events could really play out, and what are countries, companies, organizations, and individuals doing to prevent such a scenario? Readers will dive into the complex history of past financial meltdowns, such as the Great Depression and the global financial crisis of 2008, all illustrated with color photographs, sidebars, and a glossary, to learn about all the factors that may contribute to similar disasters in the future.

The last two decades have seen the ever-accelerating development of new technologies, from the internet and software applications to artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics. Alongside these advances, a new global threat has emerged: cyberterrorism. Through full-color photographs, sidebars, and a glossary, students will learn about different types of cyberattacks and cyberterrorists and the real and potential impacts they can have, as well as how nations and individuals are fighting back against this looming threat.

The world is now home to more than 7.5 billion people, and the population is growing faster than ever before. Many experts have questioned whether Earth can sustain this growing population, or whether famine and water shortages are an inevitable result. Middle school readers will discover all the challenges in food and water production that humans face today, and learn about global efforts to battle the threat of food shortages. Full-color photographs, sidebars, and a glossary aid in their understanding of the issue.

There are more than sixteen thousand nuclear weapons in the world today, almost all of them significantly more powerful than the two atomic bombs that killed as many as 240,000 people in Japan during World War II. With the aid of sidebars, full-color images, and a glossary, young readers will learn about the history of modern nuclear weapons, from the Manhattan Project and the standoff of the Cold War to the recent concerns surrounding nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea. This book also examines protections that have been put in place to prevent nuclear confrontation on a global scale.

Financial meltdowns could leave whole nations destitute, ruin businesses, and cause major social and political upheavals. How likely is it that such a disastrous chain of events could really play out, and what are countries, companies, organizations, and individuals doing to prevent such a scenario? Readers will dive into the complex history of past financial meltdowns, such as the Great Depression and the global financial crisis of 2008, all illustrated with color photographs, sidebars, and a glossary, to learn about all the factors that may contribute to similar disasters in the future.

The last two decades have seen the ever-accelerating development of new technologies, from the internet and software applications to artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics. Alongside these advances, a new global threat has emerged: cyberterrorism. Through full-color photographs, sidebars, and a glossary, students will learn about different types of cyberattacks and cyberterrorists and the real and potential impacts they can have, as well as how nations and individuals are fighting back against this looming threat.