Fuels for the Future

VOYA - Gloria Grover

Fuels for the Future explains how the everyday use of fuels such as coal, oil, and nuclear power have damaged the environment. The world is now faced with acid rain, smog, and global warming. Moreover, Parker shows how society, economics, technology, and politics have added to the crisis, and how hopefully they might also be the solution. Currently, technology provides one solution by allowing us to harvest rape-seed oil, an energy crop that produces rape methyl ester, a fuel that can be used instead of diesel. In addition, alternative power sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal provide energy for thousands of people. Waste, Recycling, and Re-use covers different types of waste and how each is becoming a serious problem. For instance, burning mixed waste releases harmful fumes into the air and radioactive waste lasts for centuries. Parker states that as consumers we are responsible for some of the refuse. However, waste can be reduced by taking a few simple steps, like recycling and purchasing energy efficient products. Forests for the Future, The World's Wild Places, Keeping the Air Clean, and Keeping Water Clean (all written by various authors) complete the Protecting Our Planet series. Each title is loaded with a wealth of information, wonderful color photographs, and easy-to-read charts, graphs, and maps. The information is clear and concise throughout the series, recommended for both public and school libraries. The authors do an excellent job of simplifying complex ideas, and a small glossary helps the reader with technical terms. Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Charts. Further Reading. Note: This review was written and published to address two titles: Fuels for the Future and Waste, Recycling, and Re-Use. VOYA Codes: 3Q 2P M (Readable without serious defects, For the YA with a special interest in the subject, Middle School-defined as grades 6 to 8).