4 Interactive Maps That Are Making Climate Change Less Abstract

The world of online climate communication is increasingly visual. Images and video demonstrate the urgency of acting on climate change in ways that writing simply cannot. A reality that has motivated organizations such as Climate Outreach to launch a new platform which guides users in implementing climate visuals to their communication strategy. 

A perhaps less discussed area of growth is the world of interactive climate maps. Climate change for most people is an abstraction and something difficult to grasp. A rather simple and interesting remedy is to demonstrate substantial climate realities through interactive visuals that allow the audience members to participate in pinpointing how climate impacts their personal lives. For example, here are some fascinating interactive maps that outline various changes in the climate, allowing the user to determine how climate change is impacting their immediate community.

• Take a trip on this climate time machine

• Map rising temperatures with this colorful display

• Find out how your state stacks up on climate impact

• Learn how climate change impacts the 'least of these' 

These interactive displays are amazing at demonstrating how climate change affects people around the world as well as our neighbors, family members, and co-workers. What they don't do, however, is explain why these maps should compel us to find climate solutions. 

Scientific maps are great for displaying what is happening with climate change, but we need faith leaders to guide people on WHY they should do something about it. In this sense, these maps could act as an excellent accompaniment to your next creation care sermon, giving your audience something tangible to consider in finding climate solutions.