An old saying goes, "the only thing constant is change" and indeed the world is changing all the time. From the moment the earth was formed, it's been changing ever since. Ice ages, mass migrations, climate change, the list goes on; change is constant.
In today's world though, scientists are raising concerns about the environment and how things have been changing more quickly than normal. From the booming population to the issue of pollution, there's mounting evidence that humans are changing the world around them and the eventual conclusion, it seems, doesn't look very good.
There's been talk of climate change in politics, in the media and among activist groups around the globe and it seems the rapid changes are more extreme in some places and less so in others. Just because changes aren't happening around your area doesn't mean they're not on the horizon for other nations.
We've put together a list of incredible places that are experiencing major changes. Soon these places will be changed forever, so if you've been longing to see glaciers up close, take in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef or see the Taj Mahal in person, you should do so in the near future.
Eco-friendly travel is a crucial part, though, so be sure to travel with a responsible operator and remember these tips when traveling abroad..
The Great Barrier Reef
The only living thing that can be seen from outer space,
The Great Barrier Reef is set off
Australia’s east coast and sprawls out over 133,000 square miles. This top diving spot could soon be unrecognizable, though, as water pollution, rising ocean temperatures, illegal fishing and other factors continue to take their toll.
By some estimates the reef could be irreparably changed in the next 20 years if drastic measures are not taken soon. If you decide to visit, be sure not to touch the coral, as it’s easily damaged.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockMadagascar
One of the most extraordinary places on earth,
Madagascar is an island country with spectacular biodiversity. Many of the plant and animal species that live there can’t be found anywhere else on the planet, which makes the rampant deforestation, burning and excessive hunting that’s taking place even more concerning.
Should these practices continue the plants and animals that call the island home will be forever changed.
Photo Credit: ShutterstockVenice
The city of canals, gondolas and hundreds of bridges,
Venice is known for its waterways, but as it turns out that water could be the very thing to ruin this historic city. Venice has been sinking for centuries, but
some evidence suggests the process is speeding up—possibly even sinking five times as fast as previously thought. Visit this romantic city soon, as the flooding is reportedly getting worse.
Click Here to See Places to Visit Before They DisappearPhoto Credit: Shutterstock- Diana Gerstacker, The Active Times
