google earth - the time-lapse version

Just in case you were wondering how much life on earth has changed, Google Earth brings you time-lapse images that provide a striking view of humans' impact. The images are Landsat satellite data, a programme managed by the US Geological Survey. Landsat has been gathering images since 1972, though the Google Earth images generally begin in 1984. It is more than slightly disturbing to see how much change has occurred in a relatively short period of time. 

Video compilation sourced from The Christian Science Monitor in an article by Mai Ngoc Chau. Read more here.