The use of maps is a good way to know how our world is changing.

Here some example, from  the guardian.

The scale is a city size, not neighbourhood scale.

Obviously is a pity, because you can’t appreciate many details, but just a macro scale vision of the phenomena.

Also the image quality grows in a impressive way from 1984 (first date available) t0 our days.

The link https://earthengine.google.com/timelapse/

Enjoy!