The growth of the global economy has led to a rising concern among the public, media, businesses and politicians about environmental damage and its effects. When human activity causes damage to the environment, protection is needed for nature and health. Companies bear environmental risks and can be held liable for damage, even when not acting negligently.

Google is in the process of rolling out a map-based data tool that lets users assess variables like carbon emissions and rooftop solar power potential for individual cities.

The company released a "beta" version of its Environmental Insights Explorer last month. For now it features five cities, including two in the U.S.—Mountain View, California and Pittsburgh. The project is designed to make it easier for people to access and use climate-related datasets that could prove useful for local government planning.