Many of the world's greatest tourist destinations have been here for centuries, if not millennia. Unfortunately, a combination of natural wear and tear, global warming, pollution, overdevelopment and careless tourist practices have placed many of these fascinating destinations under threat. Unless major changes are made, many of these places will disappear or change beyond recognition within a generation. See them while you still can, but remember, please tread carefully...
Many of the world's greatest tourist destinations have been here for centuries, if not millennia. Unfortunately, a combination of natural wear and tear, glob... more
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Created 11/23/12
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1
The Pyramids of Giza
One of the oldest tourist destinations in the world and one of its original Seven Ancient Wonders, the mighty Pyramids of Giza and the nearby Sphynx have been subjected to generations of damage through lack of careful management and few restrictions on visitors. Recently some measures have been taken to limit the effects of visitors on the site, but is it too little too late?
2
Venice, Italy
Considered one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, much of Venice's appeal stems from its unique location on an archipelago of islands on the coast. Unfortunately, the famous "Floating City" is in fact sinking - its marshy base is unstable and rising sea levels are overwhelming the city with frequent floods throughout the year. One day soon Venice's spectacular architectural heritage may be consumed entirely by the waves.
3
Glaciers
Glaciers around the world - such as those found in the Glacier National Parks in Canada and the United States - are under threat from global warming. Striking photo records from over the last century show the rapid shrinking of these mighty mounds of ice, whose melting has further implications for other destinations around the planet, contributing to higher sea levels and floods.
4
The Maldives
Visitors to the Maldives adore the country's proximity to the clear blue sea, and the diving opportunities it presents. Many hotels in the Maldives are designed to overhang the crystal waters, but there is a downside to this seemingly idyllic setting. As the lowest nation on earth, only barely rising above sea level, the Maldives are under serious threat from climate change. Only a small rise in sea levels would be enough to displace many of its citizens and erode much of its landmass.
5
The Dead Sea
Tourists flock to this tranquil sea at the lowest point on earth in order to bob in its highly saline waves (the salt content increases buoyancy) and smear themselves in its thick mud, whose rich mineral content supposedly has therapeutic properties. However, the sea itself is receding at an alarming rate, as its sole source, the River Jordan, is increasingly tapped to supply water to human communities. Plans to pipe in water from other sources are fraught with problems, but if some means of better managing the inflow can't be found, this famed biblical sea could soon disappear.
6
The Great Barrier Reef
One of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on earth, the mounds of coral that form the Great Barrier Reef were built up over millennia. Unfortunately, they're now under immediate threat from pollution and commercial shipping, and climate change is creating warmer water temperatures that contribute to devastating episodes of coral bleaching. Soon this vibrant underwater world could be a deserted landscape.
7
Machu Picchu
The elusive allure of this ancient Incan town, perched dramatically on a peak in the mountains of Peru, is in part what is contributing to its downfall. Whereas once the site was protected by its inaccessibility and the rigours of travelling there, modern tourism has found ways to penetrate the forests and bring thousands of visitors to its slopes each year. Signs of wear are already starting to show, so hopefully new protection measures and restrictions on visitors will succeed in preserving this breaktaking location for generations to come.
8
Ski resorts
Some of the world's most famous ski resorts, such as Whistler in Canada and many resorts throughout the Alps, may find themselves closing their doors in the next generation. If climate change continues at current rates, the average global temperature could rise by just over 1 degree Celsius over the next half-century. This may not sound like much, but it is enough to significantly raise the snowbelt and put around 50% of ski resorts around the world out of business.
9
New Orleans, USA
The vibrant city of New Orleans is another example of a low-lying place that is gradually sinking. With many of its neighbourhoods already falling below sea level, the city is vulnerable to rising seas and meteorological events - witness the devastation following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As climate change could render such storms more frequent, New Orleans is most definitely a city under threat.
10
Florida Everglades
This vast wetlands is home to scores of endangered flora and fauna, including manatees and the rare Florida panther, plus is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side. Unfortunately, it is being rapidly undermined by human development and pollution, while its waters are being drained to supply nearby settlements. As the area shrinks or is rendered unsuitable for supporting life, many of these species may be left with no place else to go.
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