Climate change puts global tourist hotspots on edge of extinction
Climate change threatens many places around the world. Experts warn that without taking appropriate action, many tourist gems may soon disappear. It's important to know which places are most at risk. If you haven't seen them yet, it's worth hurrying up.
Experts warn that if we do not end the thoughtless exploitation of nature and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, negative changes in the environment will progress faster than we think. There are many such places that are already on the brink of disappearing. It is worth visiting them before they become just a nostalgic memory.
The Dead Sea and the Mekong Delta threatened with disappearance
The Dead Sea is a saltwater landlocked body of water located in the tectonic Jordan Rift Valley, bordering Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. It loses about a metre (approximately 3 feet) of water each year. Experts cited by NBC News predict that by 2050, the Dead Sea could almost completely disappear. The problem is especially the drying up of the Jordan River and industrial mineral extraction.
The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is also threatened with disappearance. It is a key region for rice and fish production. According to "Nature Communications," the delta is subsiding due to urbanisation and the lack of sediment carried by the river, which is now held back by dams in China and Laos. Saltwater destroys crops, and 500 hectares (about 1,200 acres) of land is lost annually. If the situation does not change, the region may disappear, affecting the local economy and culture.
Tourist gems like the Maldives and Venice will also disappear
The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world. They are only about one and a half metres (around 5 feet) above sea level. The islands are threatened by rising sea levels. Even today, some disappear underwater during storms. Former President Mohamed Nasheed compared the fight against this phenomenon to sweeping up the aftermath of an earthquake with a broom and dustpan. Without reducing CO2 emissions, the islands may disappear before the end of the century.
Venice, on the other hand, is a city built on thousands of wooden piles driven into the marshy ground of the lagoon. This cultural marvel is unfortunately also threatened by the ever-rising sea level. Projections indicate that by the end of the 21st century, the water level around Venice could rise by around 115 centimetres (about 4 feet). The MOSE system, intended to protect the city, is not sufficient. "Acqua alta" increasingly floods the city, threatening its future.
Climate change has a real impact on these places, and their future is uncertain. Experts are calling for actions that can prevent further destruction.
