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The world is filled with many beautiful places to visit. However, because it’s also filled with humans, many of these wonderful sites are being destroyed due to climate change, pollution, human contact, or even purposeful destruction. These unfortunate outside forces are what make some of the most amazing places on Earth in danger of disappearing. Though preventative measures have been taken for some of these places and though some have been restored, we are at risk of losing some of the world’s most beautiful historical sites and favorite places to visit both natural and manmade.

While it may not seem like a big deal, almost all of these sites have been around for hundreds or thousands of years but, because of several factors, may only have a few years left before they vanish completely. Climate change is a major reason a lot of our natural wonders are being depleted and things like looting, using up natural resources, and too much human contact are other causes of the potential disappearance of important destinations. You’ve no doubt heard of each place on this list and might even know a lot about them but weren’t aware of their soon demises.

If you have a case of wanderlust and wanted to know where you should go, here’s a list of fifteen of the world’s most beautiful places that may disappear during your lifetime or, at the very least, be diminished to something unrecognizable.

15. Great Barrier Reef



Scientists predict that Australia’s Great Barrier Reef could be completely gone by 2030. In the past 30 years, the world’s largest coral reef has decreased by more than half its size due to rising temperatures. Increased acid pollution has led to coral bleaching, and many of the reef’s famed vibrant corals are slowly being turned white. Plus, large parts of the Great Barrier Reef may be torn up by a string of proposed mining ports. A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, but poor fishing practices, pollution, coral bleaching, and increasing sea temperatures due to global warming are all threatening the reef’s future. According to WWF Australia, reef industries (tourism and fishing), which contribute around $5.4 billion annually and provide about 69,000 jobs, rely on a healthy environment.

14. Tasmanian Forests



The forests of Tasmania face a lot of risks. Some of Tasmania’s forests may be torn up for export and the north-west of Tasmania is seeing an unprecedented amount of bushfires caused by lightning strikes. If these fires can’t be contained, then areas like Walls of Jerusalem National Park face the threat of extinction. In addition to the land forests being in danger of disappearing, the large kelp forests in Tasmania may also see an end soon. The undersea forest is made up of giant kelp (the largest marine plant in the world) and is disappearing most likely because of the climate change in the ocean.

13. Islands of the Seychelles



These islands, located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Madagascar, are disappearing due to beach erosion and rising sea levels and are in danger of almost completely disappearing within the next 50 to 100 years. Most of the islands of the archipelago will sink, leaving the rest uninhabitable. Seychelles’ citizens greatly rely on the coral reef for its fish and protection against large waves. Crazy fact: The Seychelles’ airport is already located just 30 feet above the sea!

12. The Taj Mahal



The Taj Mahal, India’s most popular tourist attraction and one of the seven wonders of the world, might not be here much longer due to continuous damage from pollution. Growth in industry, traffic, and population in Agra, the city where the Taj Mahal is located, all contribute to the destructive pollution. The monument is also affected by the lowering levels of the Yamuna, a river which runs right next to the structure, as the wood in its foundation needs to stay moist to avoid collapse. Though preventative measures have been taken(banning vehicles within 500 meters of the monument and using clay pack treatment to maintain the building’s appearance), the crowds and pollution continue to eat away at the landmark’s white stone facade and tourism officials are considering closing it to the public altogether. So, even if it doesn’t collapse into ruins, it may not be much longer for you to have the chance to visit it.


11. Egypt’s Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza



These ancient Egyptian structures are dealing with erosion caused by pollution. Sewage is weakening the plates they stand on while air pollution eats away at the structures and the pollution may soon lead to their complete collapse. Because some layers are softer than others, a lot of the original detail has already been lost from erosion. While many people attribute the loss of the sphinx’s nose to Napoleon(there’s a rumor that his men shot it off), it was actually shot off by the Turks in target practice in the Turkish period. Camel rides and horseback tours are now banned, but tourists are still allowed to touch and climb the pyramids, leading to even more damage. While it’s slowly falling apart on its own, terrorist group ISIS has threatened to destroy it themselves.

10. Venice



Venice has been sinking for years and is showing no signs of stopping. It has sunk by nine inches in the last 100 years. Rising sea levels play a role (the sea level rises 4-6 mm a year) and more and more severe floods are also contributing to the disappearance of the city. Compared to 100 years ago, when it would flood about 9 times a year, today, St. Mark’s Square floods about 100 times per year. Unfortunately, tourism is a factor in its demise too; in 2007, Venice saw over twenty-one million tourists which is almost forty times its population. The city is only expected to last less than 70 years more so get in your gondola ride while you can.

MORE:http://www.asapgist.com/15-places-to-visit-before-they-disappear/

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