Just add water
Yesterday a new version of Google Earth was launched which now includes two thirds of the planet that was previously left out - our oceans!
After renowned marine scientist Sylvia Earle noticed the serious lack of aquatic information in Google Earth she sarcastically asked one of the creators "why don't you call it 'Google Dirt'?". Her comment actually inspired them to make "Google Ocean". Thanks to their collaboration with over 100 organisations - you can now dive in and explore the big blue without even getting wet.
Of great interest to the oceans geeks here at Greenpeace - is that you can find marine protected areas across the globe. Sadly - only 1% of our oceans are protected but we need to protect 40% in order to ensure that they stay healthy. It will be interesting to watch this area grow (hopefully really quickly!) on Google Earth as governments take steps to declare marine reserves in the coming years. Click here to help speed this up!
Marine conservationists are excited about new possibilities with this powerful tool since they can use it to identify important areas that need protection and illustrate them easily for policy makers.
Download the new Google Earth and let us know which parts of the ocean you'd like to see protected by leaving a comment below. You can even check out the research we've been doing in the Bering Sea (just search for "Greenpeace").
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Comments
Amazing!! Can't wait to see pirates and whales!
Posted by: ashley | February 5, 2009 4:13 AM