Before we know it, some of the world’s most beautiful and unique destinations will be unrecognizable because climate change, plastic pollution and overpopulation are having devastating effects on the planet. Which places are we most in danger of losing, according to travel specialist Contiki? Here’s a list of five. For more disappearing destinations, visit Slice.ca.
Venice
Venice is a favourite island paradise, but it’s no secret that the city is sinking, and it has been for centuries. High tides, rising sea levels due to climate change and boat traffic are three of the main reasons why the buildings are eroding and slowly disappearing. The effect is a few millimetres a year, which may not seem like a lot, but look ahead a few decades and it’s more than a bit concerning. With floods becoming more frequent, efforts are being made to control the water levels going forward.
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Amazon
Spanning nine nations and accounting for more than 50 per cent of the remaining rainforest in the world, the Amazon is seen as one of the top places to travel for wildlife and tree lovers – but for how much longer? Climate change – drought, wild fires and greenhouse gas emissions – as well as deforestation are causing an alarming loss of forest cover that have many wondering how long it will be until it’s destroyed completely.
The Taj Mahal
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Not only are fees to visit this marble-ous palace increasing in an effort to limit tourists, it’s moving toward not looking so marble-ous at all. Pollution is causing the Taj Mahal to turn from white to yellow. Groundwater levels and general tourist traffic have also been creating some structural damage to the palace, which has led to whispers of public access being restricted in the near future.
Great Barrier Reef
Ever wanted to dive with Nemo and Dori in the stunning Great Barrier Reef? You could be running out of time as rising ocean temperatures and an influx of pollution may mean this natural wonder is destroyed within the next 100 years. It’s hard to believe, but every single piece of plastic ever created still exists today. Ninety per cent of all floating material in the ocean is made of the material and every year, millions of sea birds and hundreds of thousands of marine mammals mistake the plastic for food and die as a result.
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The Maldives
Who hasn’t dreamt of a vacation taking place among the sapphire-blue seas of the spectacular Maldives? Sadly, the beautiful island nation could be completely engulfed by water within the next 100 years. The chain of islands is considered the lowest-lying country on earth making it vulnerable to rising sea levels. The risk has become so real that the Maldivian government has actually purchased land in other countries for citizens who face displacement.
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