Five disappearing destinations

Whether or not you choose to accept global warming, the world is suffering, with more and more natural wonders in danger of extinction.

While you may already have a number of destinations on your bucket list, be sure to give these five priority because by the time you get around to going they might already be gone.

1. The Great Barrier Reef

Sadly, starting in our own backyard, the Great Barrier Reef is seriously under threat due to climate change. The reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. It can be seen from outer space, but soon it may not be possible to experience it at all.

Rising ocean temperatures and water pollution are rapid destroying the breathtaking coral reef. With more than half of it already gone, make sure you experience this Australian jewel before it’s lost forever.

2. Venice

Also known as the ‘City of Water’, Venice could tragically become so all too soon. Built over 118 separate islands, with more than 400 bridges across 150 canals, the unique city has been sinking for some time now.

With annual floods increasing and rising sea levels, it is believed Venice could be sinking five times faster than once thought. Make sure you don’t wait to see this one-of-a-kind city, because the way things are heading, it will end up completely underwater.

3. The Dead Sea

This stunningly beautiful salt lake is situated in the Jordan Rift Valley. Over nine times saltier than oceans, its surface and shores mark the Earth’s lowest elevation on land.

With visitors from all over the world visiting to experience what it feels like to float like a cork, the Dead Sea won’t be all fun and floating for much longer. In the past 40 years, the Dead Sea has shrunk by more than 25 metres due to water diversion. With the Jordan River being its only source, the Dead Sea could disappear within 50 years.

4. The Galapagos Islands

Located off the coast of South America, the Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 volcanic islands. Made famous for the vast number of endemic species that Charles Darwin studied there, the islands became Ecuador’s first national park in 1959.

Due to an increase in tourism and human settlement, the islands face an uncertain future, however, they have been removed from the World Heritage ‘In Danger’ list. So if you choose to visit, make sure you go through an eco-certified travel partner.

5. The Swiss Alps glaciers

Predicted to disappear completely by 2050, the Swiss Alps sit at a lower altitude than the Rocky Mountains, making their glaciers more susceptible to global warming.

With their glaciers already having shrunk in volume by 60 per cent over the past 55 years, scientists don’t believe they can stop the Swiss Alps from melting away. So make sure you get your skates on if this is somewhere you’ve always wanted to see or ski.

Have you been to any of these disappearing destinations? Which one would you put at the top of your bucket list?

Also read: Where do we love to travel?