Today, Independent Traveler released a list of 5 “Disappearing Destinations” that, due to environmental issues, may not be around for very much longer. One of the most surprising places on the list is Venice, Italy.
Although the Italian government is currently in the process of building barriers around the city, rising ocean levels are a serious threat to one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Endangered Destinations
— Alaska, U.S.
Due to its northern location, Alaska is warming five times faster than
the rest of the planet. Glaciers are disappearing and remote villages
are threatened as the ground literally melts out from under them.— Venice, Italy
The city has been sinking for centuries, but rising ocean levels due to
global warming have accelerated the threat. Protective barriers
currently being built by the Italian government may not be enough to
save the city.— Glacier National Park, Montana
This famous park’s name may soon be a misnomer. Its glaciers are
projected to disappear within 30 years due to rising temperatures.— Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Its colorful corals have already suffered several mass bleaching events
due to rising water temperatures, over-fishing and coastal land use.
Few reef-building corals will be left by 2050.— The Alps, France and Italy
Scientists predict that most of the glaciers in the Alps could be gone
as soon as 2037. Decreased snowfall levels have already put some local
ski resorts out of business.
Independent Traveler has also given a list of ways to travel to these destinations more responsibly. Participating in conservation projects while on vacation, taking direct flights to save emissions, choosing green hotels, and buying carbon credits could all help contribute to protecting the places we love.
So if you have never taken an interest in environmental conservation, imagine the world without Alaska or the Alps, and then see what a big difference a little effort can make.
