The most remarkable sites and wonders of the world are more accessible than ever before. But unfortunately, time is ticking fast. Many amazing places and ecosystems currently run the risk of extinction. We should be grateful to view the planet’s most stunning places as they are on the verge of extinction. Following are some of the top places in the world that should be appreciated before they are gone forever.
Venice, Italy
Known as the city of romance and love, Venice attracts travelers from around the world with its elegant charm. It is a city made for the minds of art. The cultural heritage and beauty here will leave you speechless. But the water that makes Venice so charming and unique may ultimately engulf it. Venice is slowly sinking and the primary reason behind it are the rising sea levels. It is estimated that the city will be gone within the next 100 years. Warning signs are already tangible in increasingly severe, regular floods.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Home to 4,000 types of mollusk, 1,500 species of fish, and 400 types of coral, Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world. So beautiful and vast, it is visible from outer space and has long been an attraction for tourists and deep-sea divers. Unfortunately, climate change is threatening the very framework of this amazing ecosystem. Cyclones, ocean acidification, water pollution, and rising ocean temperatures are the primary reason for its deterioration. Great Barrier Reef has recently become a “last chance” for travelers to visit.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro is the most iconic image of Tanzania and the highest peak for Africa. Hiking your way to the peak of this snow-capped mountain is no easy task. However, the stunning views from its summit is reward enough for the effort you put when climbing up. Naturally, it is not the entire Mountain Kilimanjaro that’s about to disappear soon but its iconic snow cap. Studies have shown that more than 80% of the snow on the mountain has already gone and with the continuation of current conditions, it is predicted that the ice will completely disappear by as early as 2022.
Taj Mahal, India
Taj Mahal is one of the greatest tourist attractions of India, not just because of its amazing architecture but also the rich history that is associated with it. This white marble mausoleum is one of the most iconic structures in the country. Unfortunately, it has been facing serious threats over the years. The site has been permanently damaged by various factors, such as disintegration of the construction materials, acid rain, air pollution, and more. Tourism officials are considering to close down Taj Mahal, leaving it only visible from afar.
Dramatic climate changes that the earth has been recently experiencing, desertification, various types of erosion, ruthless human expansion, and many other factors have been permanently altering the landscape of the world. With all these changes happening at an alarming rate, we might be among the very last generations to see some of the most amazing places and wonders of the world. If you are making a travel bucket list, then it is highly recommended that you include the above-listed places before you miss the chance to see them.
Photos by: canmandawe, Karsten Wurth, Kristin Hoel, Sergey Pesterev, Meric Dagli