The Impact of Travel and Transportation

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.

With four billion flights annually, one billion cars on the roads, and trucks travelling along highways to ship goods to stores, it is no wonder that travel has a huge impact on the environment. Exhaust from vehicles causes pollution which affects people’s health and contributes to greenhouse gases and climate change. Urban sprawl also results in more cars being on the road and the loss of habitats for animals. The Impact of Travel and Transportation discusses these topics as well as solutions, such as the practice of “buying local”, the use of public transportation, bicycles and electric cars, having bike rentals available in city centers, the creation of bike paths in cities, and the development of hybrid buses which have a gas engine and an electric motor. Drones might be an effective way to deliver packages, saving on fuel and the pollution that it generates.

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.