Google LatLong blog relaunches Global Awareness layers, the “Altas of Our Changing Environment” by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This Google Earth layer now showcases 187 sites around the world with a special emphasis on environmental change in Africa over the past few decades.

Tied to the recent publication of the 400 page book, Africa: Atlas of Our Changing Environment, this layer allows you to compare current and historical aerial and satellite imagery, read stories of environmental degradation and restoration, see photographs taken on-location, and leave comments about each site.

Look for UNEP: Atlas of Our Changing Environment under the Global Awareness folder in Google Earth's "Layers" panel (just below the "Search" and "Places"). Or view the same sites on UNEP's Google Maps mashup.

Read more about UNEP's environmental report and hardcover publication for Africa: Atlas of Our Changing Environment here.