The world is now home to more than 7.5 billion people, and the population is growing faster than ever before. Many experts have questioned whether Earth can sustain this growing population, or whether famine and water shortages are an inevitable result. Middle school readers will discover all the challenges in food and water production that humans face today, and learn about global efforts to battle the threat of food shortages. Full-color photographs, sidebars, and a glossary aid in their understanding of the issue.