CLIMATE CHANGE ON GOOGLE MAP

NASA satellite images are providing the valuable source for a vital new map of Earth to show the movement of climate change and the effects of global warming.

The new map, which is a joint venture between Google and Britain's environment ministry, shows the world heating as the years advance.

On the map, formed by remote sensors, vast areas of the ice-capped poles turn red indicating the greatest temperature increases on the planet.

The map called Climate Change in Our World also offers specific information on local impacts and actions people can and in some cases already are taking.

The project is a cooperative venture between Google and Britain's environment ministry and the country's Met Office.

Based on Google Earth mapping viewers can run a time lapse series to watch Earth warm under medium case scenarios up to 2100 - either from a planetary perspective or zeroing in on countries and even cities.

This project shows people the reality of climate change using estimates of both the change in the average temperature where they live, and the impact it will have on people's lives all over the world.

Scientists say global average temperatures will rise by between 1.8 and 4.0 degrees Celsius this century due to carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels for power and transport, causing floods and famines and threatening millions of lives.

Within this global average there will be vast local and regional variations. By helping people to understand what climate change means the map venture hopes to mobilize people commitment to avoid the worst effects by taking action now.

Leaders of the major world economies tentatively agreed last year that carbon emissions should be cut by half by 2050.