9.4.2008 10:30 AM

Google Earth Showcases World Environmental "Hot Spots"

United Nations Environment Program Highlights Climate Change, Deforestation and Other Problems -- and Solutions

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Rainforest destruction in the Amazon, as seen in Google Earth's UNEP applications

This image from Google Earth shows a U.N. Environmental Program environmental "hot spot": Rainforest destruction in the Amazon, evident by road-building.

Photo: screen shot / Google Earth

By Dan Shapley

Google Earth and the United Nations Environment Program have teamed up to give armchair explorers a new view 200 of the world's "most dramatic environmental hotspots."

The sites were chosen to highlight environmental problems and their impacts, including melting glaciers due to global warming, rainforest destruction and the sprawling growth of megalopolises. It also highlights success stories, like the reforestation of Nigeria.

"If we are to change the hearts and minds of the global public we need to surprise, to excite and occasionally perhaps to shock," said Achim Steiner, UN under-secretary-general and UNEP executive director. "These images, allied to modern computer technology, do all three."

To access the new features on Google Earth, look for the "Global Awareness" folder and enable "UNEP: Atlas of Our Changing Environment."

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