The Impact of the Internet

Humans have benefitted greatly from many inventions and developments in technology that have been designed to save time and make life easier. However, some of these improvements have created problems that were unforeseen when they were originally introduced. The six-volume “Impact on Earth” series examines both the pros and cons of several developments and not only offers some solutions to the negative aspects, but the series also discusses what is currently being done as well as plans for the future. Each of the titles is comprised of seven chapters along with a table of contents, a glossary, an index and a list of books and websites for further study. Besides the main body of the text, there are boxes entitled “Technology Solutions” and “Emergency” which provide additional information. “What Can I Do?” boxes encourage readers to think of practical solutions to common household problems, such as wasting energy. On each page, there are also statistics related to the topic, one example being that since 1970 there has been about a 90% increase of carbon dioxide emissions. “Your Turn”, the final chapter of each title, reinforces concepts by posing a question or problem related to the topic. Readers gather evidence, examine the results and propose solutions. Some examples include finding ways to reduce the amount of online energy use, household electricity and plastic waste. Abundant colour photographs and graphics add visual appeal and enhance the text.

Read collectively, the books give readers somewhat of a sense of doom with regard to the future of the planet unless more solutions are found to the problems people are facing globally, but the books’ message that each person, even a youngster, can play an important part in reducing the negative impact, offers hope. Some of the information requires more detail, such as providing more options for using food waste, while other information might be pure conjecture. (One example of this is the use of robots to remove weeds, pick fruit and check animals and crops for health issues. If these practices are currently being done, then the author should explain where they are taking place.) One minor flaw in the series is that it doesn’t challenge readers enough. Perhaps they should be asked to examine both sides of a possible solution to a problem. For instance, the authors mention a new type of food wrap made from cows’ milk. Is using plastic wrap worse than using a product made from milk when the cows themselves contribute to greenhouse gases? Or what about paper towels versus a reusable cloth for wiping countertops? Is the energy required to manufacture the paper towels more or less than the energy and water consumption required for laundering the cloth several times?

A free downloadable teacher’s guide is available. The three major activities, geared to a fifth-grade class, can be adapted for younger students. Firstly, the Going Green Museum invites students to examine a collection of 20 items in the classroom “museum” and to determine whether each of the items has a positive or a negative impact on Earth. Following their museum tour, the students reflect on what they have learned. Secondly, the students learn about debating; and finally, the students work in small groups to design an environmentally-friendly product. These activities incorporate many skills such as research and creative thinking and problem solving, just to name a few.

The Impact of the Internet highlights many of the Internet’s positive aspects which include one’s ability to work from home, access information and connect with people through video calls and social media. On the negative side, the Internet also spreads fake news and misinformation (it is scary to learn that over half of American adults get their news from Facebook), can influence the closing of brick and mortar stores due to the prevalence of online shopping, offers a platform for cyberbullying and identity theft, and contributes to online addiction. (The author states that the average number of hours spent online daily by 8 to18-year-olds is seven hours, but does not specify if that statistic comes from the U.S. or refers to Internet use worldwide.) What most people probably don’t know is that the Internet contributes to greenhouse gas emissions due to its use of electricity produced by non-renewable resources such as coal and oil. This title offers tips for online safety, what to do about cyberbullying, and how to check for reputable sources of online information, and it encourages the use of reconditioned computers, tablets and smartphones. Challenges for the future include large energy requirements for modern devices in the home and workplace, such as a “smart” fridge, and large servers for Bitcoin and other currencies. The activity at the back of the book asks readers to track their online time for three days, calculate the average number of minutes and figure out the wattage used.

There is much food for thought in these titles. Worthy of purchase, the “Impact on Earth” series, along with the activities in the teacher’s guide, will enhance a unit of study on environmental issues.