Google, Inc. (GOOG) is one of the tech leaders when it comes to operating one of the largest technology companies on the planet while at the same time being one of the greenest companies, ecologically speaking. So, it comes as no surprise that the company and its home state, California, are teaming up to try and raise awareness of climate change using Google Earth as the teaching medium.
CalAdapt, part of a new version of Google Earth, shows the dismal state of California in the near future if all the untamed effects of climate change continue on unchanged. The CalAdapt software is narrated by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and begins by zooming in and out of parts of the state that have seen positive climate effects for changes that have already been made.
But then, the horror sets in. The effects of manmade changes in California's climate, from a reliable water supply to more frequent wildfires to rising sea levels are all graphically demonstrated as extremely risky to the state's overall future. The Governator even dictates how Treasure Island could be under water in 100 years if no further climate changes are completed or damage reversed by the state's policies.
So, is Google entering politics? At this point, no. The company and its products are being used as explanation vehicles for public education. In California and other states, that may make for good bedfellows for radical environmental change that needs to happen to ensure we're not foisting an unlivable future on ourselves. Google being part of that makes sense, as its corporate motto is "do no evil."
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