"The environment is an essential but sometimes tough and weighty concept to grasp. This engaging nonfiction book takes readers back to the basics, offering an accessible overview of what makes up our environment, how those parts work, and why they matter. Divided into five sections--water, air, soil, energy, and climate--the book uses facts, figures, and simple language to give an overarching survey of our environment. Questions run throughout the text, creating a spirit of inquiry. Where does the water we use every day come from? What is the atmosphere? How does pollution affect soil? What is renewable energy? What influences climate? And how do we protect our planet for the future? With an appealing design and simple drawings and diagrams to support comprehension, this book takes a positive spin on the environment, reinforcing the importance of taking care of each element. Informational text features include a table of contents, sources, and a glossary."-- Provided by publisher.

Translation of: Notre environnement.

What exactly is the environment? 1. Water: Where is the earth's water? -- Oceans -- Threats to the ocean -- Fresh water -- Threats to our fresh water -- Water in our bodies -- 2. Air: What is air? -- Why do we need air? The atmosphere -- Wind -- Threats to air quality -- Effects of air pollution -- 3. Soil: What is soil? -- How soil is formed -- The role of soil -- Threats to soil -- 4. Energy: What we need energy -- Where does energy come from? The Earth's energy challenges -- 5. Climate: What are Earth's climate zones? -- Influences on the climate -- Climate change -- Causes of global warming -- Effects of global warming -- The Future: Glossary -- Selected sources -- Index.