You always hear about those must-see places you have to check out before you kick the bucket. But in a lot of cases, it’s not about the time YOU have left but actually how long your bucket list items have before they disappear forever due to pollution, global warming and general environmental disarray.
1. The Dead Sea, Jordan and Israel
Bordering Jordan and Israel, the waters of this magnificent sea are known for their buoyancy and incredible healing properties. However, since the 70s the sea has disappeared by over a third and has continues to shrink in circumference by 1 metre annually as surrounding countries draw more water from the River Jordan. As its only life-source is siphoned away, the Dead sea could dissipate completely in under 50 years.
2. The Maldives, South Asia
With pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and lush coastal beauty, the Maldives is a secluded paradise popular with travellers around the world. However, the nation made up of tiny islands within the Indian Ocean is vanishing as sea levels continue to rise due to global warming. Expected to disappear completely within the next 50-70 years, the remote treasures of the Maldives are a temporary fixture.
3. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
This breathtaking Australian treasure is famed as an incredible diving and snorkelling destination due to the thousands of coral and tropical fish species that call it home. However, what were once vibrant coral reefs, bursting with colour and life are now being bleached white by increased acid pollution and rising water temperatures as a result of global warming. Recent studies have shown that up to 93% of these precious reefs have been affected, leaving potentially only 10 years left to explore this aquatic gem before it dies.
4. The Swiss Alps, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps are known as one of the most luxurious ski destinations in the world but the years with thick, fresh, powdered slopes are numbered as this treasured location falls victim to global warming. With around 40% less snow than there was 50 years ago, the lower lying areas are relying especially heavily on synthetic snow to keep up with tourism needs. If this one’s on your bucket list it’s best to get yourself there now to avoid missing out on the authentic Alps experience.
5. The Seychelles, East Africa
This tropical island paradise is favoured as one of the most popular destinations for lovestruck honeymooners due to its warm temperatures, scenic coastlines and clear waters. However, as climate change advances, the Seychelles face the impending fate of vanishing underwater completely in as early as 50 years. It’s time to experience the majesty of these incredible beaches before they erode away.
6. Venice, Italy
The mesmerizing city of Venice is one of the most renowned and coveted travel destinations in the world. The mystique of the city’s winding canals are at the heart of Italy’s incredible allure, but Venice faces a crisis as the canals continue to rise and the city starts to sink underwater. A combination of land subsidence, rising sea levels and severe flooding, studies say that Venice could be sinking up to 5 times faster than originally anticipated.
7. Taj Mahal, India
Easily one of the most recognizable constructions, the Taj Mahal brings millions of visitors each year to the northern city of Agra in India. However, cracks in the foundations of this 368-year-old building have started to appear and the minarets surrounding the monument have begun to tilt. The exterior also faces corrosion from air and water pollution as a result of increased deforestation in the area. The trees had protected this landmark from the worst effects of dust storms, but now nothing is left to serve as a barrier between harsh weather and the delicate structure.
8. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Ancient Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are one of the seven wonders of the world and arguably amongst man’s most exquisite creations. However, severe erosion from tourism, wind, humidity and pollution from industrialized Cairo is causing a rapid deterioration of many of the Pyramids’ designs and structural features, which will lead to an eventual collapse, potentially in the not too distant future. These magnificent monuments are a window to ancient history and it’ll be tragedy to lose them!
9. The Amazon, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia
The vast green canopy of the Amazon stretches as far as the eye can see. Sadly, this thick and vast jungle is starting to thin out and expansions of agriculture and urban development threaten the future of not only the rainforest but also the rural communities, the rich vegetation and the wildlife species that call it home. The amount of deforestation taking place also reduces the quality of air around the world while the loss of tree roots increases the rate of erosion.
10. Great Wall of China, China
Surviving well over 2,000 years, the Great Wall of China is now nearing its final days. Walking along the Great Wall of China is a bucket list item for many but the wall is facing devastating ruin and erosion due to over-farming and increased urban development. With nearly two-thirds of the wall having been destroyed or damaged within recent times, this incredible site may only have as little 20 years – hardly enough time for you to experience it, let alone your kids.
