Excuse the pun, but while climate change isn’t usually a hot topic during the winter months, a number of companies have released environmental resources in conjunction with this week’s United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. World leaders are currently convening in Copenhagen to tackle our toughest environmental issues and provide positive solutions to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Below are just some of the resources netizens can consult to learn about the issues.
1. COP15 Twitter and Facebook Pages: Those interested in following regular updates from the United Nations Climate Change Conference can track the official Twitter feed and Facebook page. Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to post conference proceedings as events take place.
2. OneClimate.net: This service offers a live stream of Copenhagen conference interviews via a Justin.tv channel entitled Copenhagen Live 24/7. Viewers can also join the service’s social network and create blog posts, comments and groups.
3. America.gov’s YouTube Channel: For a look at the on-the-ground videos coming from Copenhagen, America.gov is uploading a range of YouTube videos featuring the citizen-driven street action currently taking place.
4. Google Earth Tours: Google Earth released a series of six new tours that inform users about human health, renewable energy, wildlife and ocean conservation. From looking at meningitis in Africa, to renewable wind farms in the Appalachians, to wildlife corridors and migration patterns, Google is offering users information on how global warming affects all aspects of our lives. Members can check out the tour page to view narrated videos and download the Google Earth tours. You can also visit ReadWriteWeb’s list of climate change mapping resources.
5. In My Backyard: The National Energy Laboratory created an online tool to measure the amount of electricity you can produce through solar and wind power in your backyard. Using a Google Maps mashup, the service allows you to gain a rough estimate on your off-the-grid power generating capabilities by measuring your roof and yard size and calculating your estimated output.
6.Junfrau Climate Guide: The Jungfrau Climate Guide offers users a chance to explore the Jungfrau region of the Bernese Oberland and the effects of climate change on the region. Those hiking the Alps receive audio alerts when their phone GPS indicates that they’ve reached one of 43 hotspots. The hotspot alerts trigger information about climate change, natural hazards and the recession of glaciers.
If you’ve got more services to add to our list of climate change resources, let us know in the comments below.
