There are destinations in the world that can disappear very soon, and that we must visit before it happens. They are places of great beauty and particular attraction, which we wish were always there. But, the truth is that thanks to several factors, including mass tourism, climate change and our lack of awareness to reverse it, there is not much time left.
Although you surely think you do not know them, you will be surprised to know what they are. Well, in the following list of some destinations that may disappear very soon, you will possibly recognize more than one.
1. Venice
This Italian city is known for its canals and for being one of the most beautiful and romantic in that country. Currently it is one of the destinations that may disappear due to the rise in sea level. A phenomenon produced by the increase in temperatures that causes global warming.
Likewise, the sinking of the soil produced by mass tourism, among other factors, is another threat. According to a report from the Institute of Oceanography of the University of San Diego done in 2012. Every year, the water level in Venice rises two millimetres, representing a 4-centimeter dip every 20 years.
Which has led some geologists to affirm that Venice will inevitably disappear in a few decades.
2. The Great Wall of China
Although it seems hard to believe. The Great Wall of China, a World Heritage Site since 1987 and more than 2000 years old, is also another destination that may disappear.
According to data released by the Great Wall of China Society, which is the body in charge of protecting this monument. Of the 21,000 total kilometres that make up this Wonder of the World, almost 2,000 have disappeared. Whether due to natural erosion, lack of maintenance and due to the lack of security that facilitates the theft of bricks.
According to this same body in 2014, only 8.2% of the Great Wall is in “good condition”. While 74.1% is classified as “in very poor condition”. Therefore, experts have warned that if nothing is done to preserve it, a third of it could disappear in the next 20 years.
3. Dead Sea
Located between Israel, Palestine and Jordan. This river that feeds on the waters of the Jordan, is considered the largest Salt Lake in the world. Although it is getting smaller, as a consequence of the diversions of its waters for irrigation and for the populations.
However, it is also added the overexploitation of minerals found in its bed and the extreme climate. Which causes it to start evaporating and not enough flow to the Dead Sea. Studies show that in total, an inch of surface is lost annually and experts warn that if no action is taken it could disappear in four decades.
4. Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
They are considered a paradise in the Indian Ocean for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. This country located in South Asia, is an archipelago of 1,190 islands, of which only 203 are inhabited. Without a doubt, it is one of the most tourist destinations in the world, but unfortunately it is also one of the destinations that can disappear.
The main problem is that this country does not have much elevation with respect to the sea, since its highest peak does not exceed 2.3 meters. Therefore, due to global warming and the rise of the seas, this destination gradually sinks. According to estimates, by 2050 most of the islands could be uninhabitable, and they may disappear by the end of the century.
5. Taj mahal
Known as one of the seven wonders of the modern world and the most famous building in India. It is not surprising that it is visited annually by 7 million tourists from all over the world. However, this monument made in the name of love, is also losing its colour and shine. Its foundations are weakening and it has ever larger and deeper cracks.
All this, product of the wear and tear by the intense tourist activity, the pollution and industrial pollution to which it is subjected. Likewise, it presents sinking due to the decrease in the level of the underground waters of the Yamuna river.
The Indian government is currently taking some steps. That includes controlling emissions from factories and prohibiting the movement of vehicles near the Taj Mahal. As well as increasing the prices of entry to foreigners and limiting the length of stay.
Although if things continue the same, it is even planned to close it to the public and it would only be visible from one of the hotel and restaurant terraces.
6. Machu Picchu, another destination that may disappear
Another of the seven wonders of the modern world and also a World Heritage Site since 1983. Since then, this Inca citadel receives a million visitors annually on average. However, some press reports indicate that mass tourism and climate change are the reasons why it could disappear.
Although they are not the only problems that Machu Picchu faces. As deforestation, uncontrolled urban development and its location in a highly seismic area have also contributed. Provoking the erosion of the complex and the detachment of the rock on which it sits.
Due to this, the number of people who can visit it daily and the time they can stay in it has been limited. However, according to geologist estimates, in one part of the base the earth is sinking about 4 centimetres a year.
7. The Great Barrier Reef
This is the largest coral body in the world and the most biodiverse place on the planet. Located on the Australian coast, it is also one of the most beautiful places on the planet. But for some years it suffers from strong coral bleaching and death. Caused by acidification of the oceans and rises in sea temperature.
To this we must add other threats such as agricultural pollution, the development of the coast and illegal fishing. Besides, experts assure that also the strong tropical storms and the introduction of a species of invasive sea star that feeds on corals. They would be responsible for having lost half of its population in less than three decades.
So, if this situation continues, this would be another of the destinations that can disappear, in less than 100 years.
In conclusion, our recommendation is not to stop traveling, but that we do it so consciously, respecting and preserving the environment to avoid further consequences. Although if this is something we should do even when we are not traveling. In this way, we can help that other places as beautiful as these do not disappear.
ALFA