Track carbon dioxide emissions with Google Earth
May 15, 2009
Google does it again. This time it’s a new layer for Google Earth that uses NASA-funded maps to show carbon dioxide emissions from various sources. Of course, you can download Google Earth 5 and get the information so you can make your own maps, but you can view an example here.
In a classroom, maps like this can have many applications. The most obvious would be in a science class if you were studying climate change. You could compare and contrast the emissions from electricity production and the industrial sector. Additionally, you could use the map to study your own area’s carbon footprint and compare it with other areas. Students could use the data within Google Earth to create a “tour” showing how various sectors and/or geographical areas contribute to carbon dioxide emissions.
I’m sure that once you play around with the maps and look at the data on your own, you’ll find many ways to integrate it into your own classroom. -REBECCAH HAINES
USA CO2 Emissions from fossil fuels 2002
Related stuff:
Enter a new world with lesson plans for Google Earth
Google Earth 5 adds more educational features
Instructifeature: It’s getting hot in here! Teaching about climate change
