All around the world, we have seen this marvelous natural destinations, and perhaps always dreamt about someday going on holidays. But, little we knew that it was our doing that might mean the end of this places that have been around longer than we did. Either due to climate change and global warming, or over-tourism, some of these World Wonders are in great danger. Let this article be a warning: the best tribute we can pay to this places might be not ever going; and instead, help in their conservation.
The entire endemic megafauna of the African Island has been lost in the last century. Studies have shown that even though the ecosystem was resilient to prior climate stress, it collapsed with the increase of human activity. The Madagascar Island is home of 5% of flora and fauna of the entire World. Madagascar is in danger of extinction due to the climate change, the over-tourism and the indiscriminate rosewood logging.
During the last 100 years, the temperatures in The Alps rose double comparing to the world average, and now The Alps have half the ice volume that they had in 1850. According to scientist, specially the Swiss Alps, could be dramatically reduced by 2050.
Sitting in the top of the Andes, the 15th century landmark was left abandoned by the Incans; and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. Given its geographic location the ruins are under a major risk of erosion. Combined with the mass of tourism it could mean the loss of Machu Picchu. The Peruvian government nonetheless, has restricted tourism in hopes of preventing its decay.
The rising tides from the last years could potentially cover the statues completely. The over 100 thousands tourists that visit the Chilean Island per year contribute to the deterioration of the Easter Island.
The Glacier National Park, located in the Argentinian Patagonia, is house to the Perito Moreno Glacier, the biggest in the zone; and it is a victim of the climate change. The Glaciers are melting in big scale. In the last 60 years more than 1.000 Km2 have been lost.
Located between Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, located at 1380 feet below sea level; and it is the saltiest body of water on Earth, making it impossible for any living thing to survive on it. Due to the increase in temperatures, it is evaporating. Furthermore, it has sunk 25 meters more, and it has lost a third of its size during the last 40 years.
The Great Barrier Reef, located in Australia, is considerer a World Heritage. It is more than a half million years old; but with the rise in oceanic temperatures, the corals loose their colors and are more susceptible to diseases, that could lead us to the loss of this World Wonder. To know more about Coral Reefs, and the diverse Restorations that are in place, check this article.
We are running out of time, and so are the many World Wonders that are listed above. It is time for us to change our mentality towards traveling and tourism and embrace a more sustainable approach. Here, you have important information about how to be a more responsible tourist.
+ Words: Leila Salinas, Luxiders Magazine
Journalist | Berlin-based
Connect with her on LinkedIn or Instagram (@leisalinas)