Google Earth launches climate change tools

People using Google Earth can now see how climate change could affect the planet and its people over the next century.

Climate Change in Our World was launched by Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the Google Zeitgeist conference.

It is a joint venture between the search engine, the British Government, the Met Office Hadley Centre and the British Antarctic Survey.

Google Earth users will be able to view two new layers of animation which show how the world could change as a result of pollution.

One animation will let people see predicted world temperatures for the next hundred years taking into consideration greenhouse gas emissions. Users can also read about how people in the UK and in some of the world's poorest countries are already being affected by changing weather patterns.

Access to information on action that can be taken by users, communities, businesses and Governments to tackle climate change will also be available.

Another animation, developed by the British Antarctic Survey, allows people to view the loss of Antarctic ice caps since the 1950s, and features facts about climate change science and impacts in the Antarctic.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: "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."