London, United Kingdom
May 19, 2008
Source:
Defra (the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Millions of
Google Earth users around
the world will be able to see how climate change could affect
the planet and its people over the next century, along with
viewing the loss of Antarctic ice shelves over the last 50
years, thanks to a new project launched today.
The project, Climate Change in Our World, is the product of a
collaboration between Google, the UK Government, the Met Office
Hadley Centre and the British Antarctic Survey to provide two
new 'layers', or animations, available to all users of Google
Earth. It was launched by Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the
Google Zeitgeist conference today.
One animation uses world leading climate science from the UK's
Met Office Hadley Centre to show world temperatures throughout
the next hundred years under medium projections of greenhouse
gas emissions, along with stories of how people in the UK and in
some of the world's poorest countries are already being affected
by changing weather patterns.
Users can also access information on action that can be taken by
individuals, communities, businesses and governments to tackle
climate change, and highlights good work already underway.
Another animation, developed by the British Antarctic Survey,
show the retreat of Antarctic ice caps since the 1950s, and
features facts about climate change science and impacts in the
Antarctic.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said:
"Climate change is redrawing the map of the world. Unless we
act, its impacts will be felt everywhere, as sea levels rise,
crops fail, extreme weather increases and more areas are at risk
of drought and flooding.
"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, including here in Britain. By helping people to
understand what climate change means for them and for the world
we can mobilise the commitment we need to avoid the worst
effects by taking action now."
International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said:
"Climate change is happening and it is the world's poorest who
are facing the greatest threat. Now, for the first time, Google
Earth maps allow us to see first hand accounts of poor people
coming to terms with everything from floods and droughts to
melting glaciers.
Amidst the massive impact on the world's environment the
initiative highlights the personal costs to people least able to
withstand the changes.
"Global action is needed to cut emissions and help communities
adapt to changing weather patterns. It can be done - and the
lives of those in poverty depend upon the world taking bold
action."
Met Office Chief Executive John Hirst said:
"Climate change is arguably one of the biggest issues facing the
world today. Merging the Met Office's unparalleled climate
science expertise with the exciting technology of Google Earth
is a great way of bringing the impacts of a warming world to
life."
British Antarctic Survey Director Professor Nick Owens said:
"This is a fantastic opportunity to use the power of Google
Earth technology to engage people all over the world in the
importance and relevance of Antarctica in the climate change
story."
Ed Parsons, Geospatial technologist at Google, said:
"Google Earth brings stories to life and opens up their reach to
a limitless number of potential users. We are really excited
about the work of the UK Government and its partners to raise
the profile of climate change impacts on a global scale."
The project is currently a snapshot of some of the recent
scientific information about climate change and its impacts. The
partners in the project will be looking to develop these ideas
further in the future, preferably with additional partners.
BACKGROUND
1. The new Google Earth Climate Change In Our World layers and
further information can be found at
http://earth.google.com/outreach/kml_entry.html#tClimate%20Change%20In%20Our%20World.
2. Footage of Antarctic scenery and science in action are
available to download from
ftp://ftp.nerc-bas.ac.uk/pub/photo/Google
3. You can read all the personal stories from Africa, Asia and
Central American at
www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/climate-google-earth.asp.
4. Feedback on the content of the project, or any ideas for
future animations or impact stories can be emailed to
OURWORLD@defra.gsi.gov.uk
5. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is a world leader in research
into global environmental issues. With an annual budget of
around £45 million, five Antarctic Research Stations, two Royal
Research Ships and five aircraft BAS undertakes an
interdisciplinary research programme and plays an active and
influential role in Antarctic affairs. BAS has joint research
projects with over 40 UK universities and has more than 120
national and international collaborations. It is a component of
the Natural Environment Research Council. More information about
the work of the Survey can be found at:
www.antarctica.ac.uk
6. The Met Office Hadley Centre is the UK's foremost centre for
climate change research. Partly funded by Defra (the Department
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and the Ministry of
Defence ), we provide in-depth information to, and advise, the
Government on climate change issues. |
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