Evolution Under Pressure: How We Change Nature and How Nature Changes Us

Immersive non-fiction with STEM and social justice themes that proves that the future of the environment is in our hands–and helps pave the way forward.

Evolution isn’t just a thing of the past. It is happening right now, in every species across the world–and our influence on the future of the plants and animals around us is much bigger than we might think. A closer look at the science behind evolution shows how human behaviors like hunting, farming, and urban development have contributed to major physical changes in everything from rhinos to pigs to lizards. And these changes impact us in turn–triggering environmental shifts and contributing to climate change. The good news is there’s hope: by learning to see how everything is connected, we can weigh the consequences of our choices and help shape a world that works for plants, animals, and humans alike.

Making connections across anthropology, biology, and ecology, award-winning author Yolanda Ridge takes an intersectional approach to a challenging topic–examining the factors that influence human behavior while looking forward to explain the changes we can make and the ethics of those choices. Profiles of young activists and innovators highlight the ways readers can contribute to restoring ecological balance, while vibrant illustrations by Dane Thibeault evoke the energy and beauty of the natural world we are working to preserve.

Yolanda Ridge is a children’s author with a passion for science who has previously worked as a genetic counselor. She lives in Rossland, British Columbia.

DANE THIBEAULT is an illustrator and recent graduate of the Visual Communications Design program at Alberta University of the Arts. He lives in Calgary, Alberta.