A new interactive climate change map launched by the Science Museum of London, reveals the devastating consequences that an average four degree rise in global temperatures would have on the planet, which is likely to occur if we fail to adequately cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The map uses the latest peer-reviewed science from the Met Office Hadley Centre and other climate experts, and offers an excellent tool to help educate the public on the importance of taking action on climate change as we approach the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December. 

Users can closely examine where and how the temperature increase would create extreme problems, including food and water shortages, increased forest fires and drought, and rising sea levels.  You can explore each category in more detail by clicking on the highlighted region for a brief explanation and a link to the UK’s Act on Copenhagen website.  You’ll notice that when all of the categories are selected, there are very few places that wouldn’t be severely effected, and you can bet that even in those places, the situation will not be pleasant.

Even a 2 degree increase in global temperatures will present some serious challenges, yet this map starkly highlights the importance of keeping the increase below four degrees.  Go explore the map, and check out a video featuring some of the developers of the map below.