Some of the worlds iconic places will be lost due to climate change!
Let me turn your perspective to a decaying planet by appealing to your self-interest. Because if the change is not set into motion right now, we will run out of places to take summer vacations in. Here's a list of some of the most spectacular locations on the map of the world, which are already showing signs of impending danger due to climate change.
Gansu, China
The Gansu Province in China is known for its dramatic and
diverse landscape to nature lovers across the world. Located in a country which
is currently the highest producer of greenhouse gases in the world, the region
has suffered due to rampant pollution in the recent past. The historically
significant region of China is still recognized as one the worst impacted
regions by climate change.
The Maldives
The Maldives faces the deadliest threat from climate change,
as rising sea levels means complete submersion of an entire country. The
country is seen as an extreme test case for climate change and the rising
temperature of the blue ocean waters and the increasing acidity is already
showing the lethal impact on the coral locations. The beaches are sinking and
it is suspected that the entire archipelago might be submerged within 50-100
years.
Alps, Europe
This winter sports paradise loses 3% of Alpine glacier every
year. And because of their rather lower altitude, experts worry that by 2050
the Alps will lose almost all of its ice. The predicted changes also include
changes in rain and snowfall patterns and rise in extreme meteorological events
such as avalanches and floods in the nearby regions.
Varanasi, India
The famous ghats of this ancient city have lived through
several floods. But it might be on the verge of giving up as water level
increases the wooden walls supporting the structure are following up. Though
engineers are working hard to fix the problem, forces of nature seem stronger
than ever.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Once the place was home to over 150 glaciers, but by 2005
only 27 remained. And by 2030 all of those are expected to completely disappear
thanks to increasing temperatures. The loss of glaciers will affect the entire
eco-system of the area as plants and animals dependent on cold and water will
soon follow extinction.
The Dead Sea, Israel
The lake with therapeutic minerals has shrunk nearly 80 ft
in last 40 years and scientists believe that it might completely disappear
within 50 years if neighboring countries don't stop withdrawing water from
River Jordan (where the Sea gets its water from).
Venice, Italy
Venice's doom is a ticking clock. After the dangerously
serious floods of 2009, every monsoon brings irreparable damage and fear to
this Queen of Canals. Many engineers and ecologists have been working on ways
to prevent the ancient city from rising sea levels, but the future is still
bleak.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan has been experiencing temperature rising faster than
any other place on Earth. Dense urbanization and several modern calamities to
have happened on its land, nature too doesn't seem benevolent. Rising sea
levels, temperature rising and a completely different issue of negative
population looms over Japan.
Sahara Desert, Africa
It's not just the water that may drown the world. Sahara
desert, already world's largest, is growing 0.5 miles every month. The
possibility of it swallowing entire North Africa and changing the continent's
climate is no longer the stuff of fantasy.
Antarctica
All the issues around water-level rising are related to ice
melting on the poles due to the increase in global temperature. The amount of
ice lost per year is outrageous and growing with devastating speed. With this,
the whole continent is in danger.
Bangkok, Thailand
Every year Bangkok experiences a rise of 0.8 degree Celsius
and along with temperature fluctuations, flooding has become a present reality
for the city. In last few years Bangkok's issue with climate has sped up
drastically and a future with irreversible effects. So with increasing heat and
climate conditions - more likely this beautiful tourist spot is in danger too!
Miami, Florida
Some low lying regions of South Florida are under the direct
threat of the rising sea level. Even currently during the high spring tide, the
sea rises up to the Florida Coast and the western part of Miami's coastline
becomes a congested and crowded when the streets get flooded. This problem in
the city is more frequent than ever and sea level is already rising at an
alarming rate and the locals have started experiencing the effect already.
Honolulu, America
America's favorite vacation spot is under a severe threat of
climate change. Reports suggest that the changing climate may lead to a more
arid, hot and disease-ridden environment. Higher ocean acidity has led to
marine migration and with the 1 to 3ft rise in the sea level, the new coastline
will be a full mile inland by the year 2100.
Rhône, France
Some of the regions of the south of France are on the top of
the adventures list for travelers across the world.But as the climate is
changing, winemakers are moving up north to regions with a cooler climate. The
fact shows how the vineyards of Rhone Valley are slowly becoming prey to the
rising temperatures in the region.
Climate change doesn't seem to be creating as big a wave as
it should. With eminent voices in the seat of power negating the impending
threat, the problem becomes even more severe with no global vision for a
solution. So for all the travel freaks, plan the trip now before the place
vanishes!