Destinations In Danger

As the Earth changes, much of its natural beauty is disappearing. Some of the world’s most spectacular sights are now threatened by climate change and human carelessness. Many of these landmarks could actually cease to exist within our lifetime. We've curated a list of endangered places you’ll want to place higher on your bucket list:

The Dead Sea Expected time remaining: less than 50 years.

This vast salty lake located at the lowest point on Earth is shrinking at an alarming rate. With surrounding countries overusing its water and with the strong heat of the Middle Eastern sun, the body of water is depleting almost three feet every year.

The Taj Mahal Expected time remaining: 5 years.

Experts fear that the iconic building—one of the Seven Wonders of the World—will collapse. Its white marble façade is threatened by erosion and pollution. Over eight million people visit the landmark each year, but tourism officials are considering closing it to the public or at least imposing restrictions on the number of daily visitors.

The Alps Expected time remaining: 30 years.

The low altitude of the European mountain range makes it particularly susceptible to the effects of global warming. It is losing around three percent of glacial ice annually, and the melting ski slopes now risk closure.

The Great Barrier Reef Expected time remaining: 30 years.

The UNESCO World Heritage site is the only living organism visible from outer space. Stretching over 1,400 miles, 93 percent of the reef is irreversibly damaged by coral bleaching. This is due to rising ocean temperatures and increased carbon dioxide in the ocean. A lot of sunscreens damage coral, too.

Venice Expected time remaining: less than 70 years.

Ironically, the “Floating City” might not stay afloat for much longer. The city of canals has been sinking for centuries—approximately 4 to 6 millimeters each year—and with rising sea levels, floods are getting more severe.

by Chloë Hudson / photography by Eva Vidan / design by Eugene Kim