There are so many amazing and wonderful destinations in the world, but they won’t all be around forever, and it is important to expand your horizons and enhance your experiences. With that in mind, these are some of the places you need to see before they disappear:
Amazon Rainforest – Brazil
One of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on the planet, believe it or not, the Amazon may not exist in the near future. The so-called “lungs of the world” are in dire danger from the growth of deforestation, not to mention climate change, forest fires, and human interference. Book that trip as soon as you can.
Congo Basin – The Congo
Spanning six countries, and responsible for producing almost half of the world’s oxygen, the Congo Basin is one of the most vulnerable and essential areas in the world. Teeming with wildlife, forests, swamps, and more, the biodiversity on display here is at threat from deforestation, mining, and illegal wildlife trade.
The Snows of Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
Africa’s highest mountain is one of the most harrowing examples of global warming in action, and scientists found that more than a quarter of ice that covered the mountain in 2000 has already melted. The prediction is that in a couple of decades, these stunning snowy peaks could disappear entirely, which is a sobering thought.
Patagonian Ice Fields – Argentina
Patagonia has 10 million acres of national park, and the ice glaciers create a stunning and fantastical backdrop. However, the bad news is that these glaciers are shrinking at a concerning rate due to the impacts of global warming. It is believed that the glaciers are receding by almost 6.5 miles per year, which makes for pretty grim reading.
Komodo Island – Indonesia
Since it was established in 1980, Komodo Island has become a hugely popular choice for divers and underwater photographers looking to capture its beauty. However, the island, and its lizard population are in danger from coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and a rise in human tourism.
The Dead Sea – Israel, Jordan & Palestine
The Dead Sea is falling at an alarming rate, believed to be around three feet per year. This once wondrous ocean, famed for its high salt levels that allow visitors to float, was believed to have curative properties, but is now suffering from human and geological factors. Pay a visit before its demise is complete.
The Door to Hell – Turkmenistan
In 1971 engineers set the Door to Hell alight in the depths of the Karakum Desert, believing it to be emitting poisonous gas. Amazingly, the inferno continues to rage, so this is something you want to get to see as soon as you can. You never know how long the flames are going to stay alight, so it’s best to make the most of it.
The Galápagos Islands – Ecuador
The vast and gorgeous Galápagos Islands should be on your bucket list as they are one of the most stunning locations on Earth. But, more than that, rising temperatures, overfishing, and human presence is threatening the island. There is a focus on ecotourism in a bid to control tourism and preserve this beautiful island.
Venice – Italy
Venice, one of the most romantic and iconic cities on Earth, is in danger of no longer existing. Rising sea levels are putting this Italian paradise at genuine risk, and the worst case scenario is that the entire city could be completely underwater by 2100. Make sure you soak up all that Venice has to offer sooner rather than later.
The Maldives – Southeast Asia
Because it’s the most low-lying country in the world, The Maldives is the country most at risk from rising sea levels, and recent data believes the islands could be as much as 80% underwater by the year 2050. If The Maldives is anywhere near your bucket list, you should try to make sure you go as soon as you can.