Extinction Planet offers young readers a clear, insightful look at Earth’s wildlife extinction crisis

It is estimated that out of around eight million species on Earth, at least one million plant and animal species are threatened with extinction, and that the current rate of extinction is up to 100 times higher than in any previous mass extinction. And it’s human activity that’s largely responsible for this frightening decline.

Extinction Planet takes a non-alarmist, but truthful, look at Earth’s extinction crisis, explaining what a mass extinction is, how they occur and what their repercussions can be. It explores how, as humankind has caused this latest biodiversity crisis, we also have the solutions to slow or stop its damage, from reining in overconsumption, rewilding natural places, making farming more planet-friendly, preventing overfishing and seriously tackling climate change. It also suggests ways we can all live in a more planet-friendly way, from global changes such as investing in renewable energy sources, to individual actions such as buying sustainable products and eating less meat and fish.

Following on from Plastic Planet, Hot Planet, Recycled Planet and Sustainable Planet, Extinction Planet features the same blend of illustrations and photos and a striking cover, and is written by the award-winning author Anna Claybourne.

ANNA CLAYBOURNE

Anna Claybourne has written over 150 children’s books on all kinds of subjects, from sharks, black holes and splitting the atom to how to draw, Shakespeare’s life, and Greek myths and legends. She knows a lot about conservation in the rain forests of Costa Rica as she once volunteered there for three months. She likes space, sewing and music, plays the trombone and loves going camping.