Global warming mapped online

A new project aims to educate people about the problem of global warming by utilising the Google Earth application.

The collaboration between Google, the Government, the Met Office and the British Antarctic Survey has seen two new layers added to Google Earth.

Using the layers, you can see the effects that global warming is having on the planet such as rising temperatures and melting ice caps.

There is also information about how some of the world's poorest people are being affected and projects that are underway to counteract the problems caused by climate change.

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.

"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," Alexander continued.

http://earth.google.com