Canadian World Traveller / Summer 2016 Issue

38
Eight Places To Visit Before They Change Forever
by Contiki Tours
Before you know it, some the world’s most
beautiful and unique destinations could be
unrecognizable. Climate change, plastic pollution
and overpopulation are having devastating
effects on our planet. Earth Month,
which celebrated its 46th anniversary this year,
is a global initiative that aims to drive awareness
around environmental issues.
In support of Earth Month 2016, youth travel
specialist Contiki is hoping to raise awareness
of global environmental issues by highlighting
some traveller bucket list destinations we are
in danger of losing forever. Leading up to next
year’s Earth Day celebrations, Contiki has
compiled eight traveller favourite destinations
Canadians need to see before they disappear.
Venice
Venice is one of our favourite island paradises,
but it’s no secret that the city is sinking, and
it has been for centuries. High tides, rising sea
levels due to climate change and boat traffic
are three of the main reasons why the buildings
are eroding and slowly being claimed by
rising water levels. The effect is a few millimetres
a year which may not seem like a lot, but
look ahead a few decades and it’s more than
a bit concerning. With floods becoming more
frequent efforts are being made to control the
water levels going forward. And no, stilt walking
for all is not a realistic option.
The Taj Mahal
Canadian World Traveller Summer/Fall 2016
Not only are fees to visit this marble-ous
palace increasing in an effort to limit tourists,
but it’s moving towards not looking so marble-ous
at all. Pollution is causing the Taj
Mahal to turn from white to yellow, and something
tells us as time goes on, the white marvel
won’t really have the same postcard worthy
affect that draws visitors from all over the
globe. Groundwater levels and general tourist
traffic have also been creating some structural
damage to the palace which has led to whispers
of public access being restricted in the
near future.
The Maldives
Who hasn’t dreamt of their honeymoon taking
place amongst the sapphire-blue seas of the
spectacular Maldives? Well you better find
your future husband or wife quick smart
because the beautiful island nation could be
completely engulfed by water within the next
100 years. The chain of islands is considered
the lowest-lying country on earth making it
vulnerable to rising sea levels. The risk has
become some real that the Maldivian government
has actually purchased land in other
countries for citizens who face displacement!
Amazon
Spanning nine nations and making up more
than 50% of the remaining rainforest in the
world, the Amazon is seen as one of the top
places to travel for wildlife and tree lovers –
but for how much longer? Climate change –
drought, wild fires and greenhouse gas emissions
– as well as deforestation are causing an
alarming loss of forest cover that have many
wondering how long it will be until it’s
destroyed completely.
Cuba is known as a cultural gem in the
Caribbean, but this is all expected to change
now the US travel ban has been lifted. Tourism
numbers have been manageable without the
addition of American visitors for years, so now
Cuba
many are worried about how the impending
influx of tourists will affect the cultural integrity
of the island.
Whether it’s solely climate change or climate
change combined with cyclical change in the
area, melting ice on this fascinating continent
is a big problem. Not only is this an issue for
glacier enthusiasts and wildlife that call the
Antarctic home, but the resulting rising water
levels put many coastal cities and islands
worldwide at risk of flooding.
The Dead Sea
The literal death of the Dead Sea is something
that has started to cause major alarm. The
evaporation of the water combined with the
declining water flow from the Jordan River into
the sea (due to irrigation use) means seriously
decreasing water levels. This loss of water has
caused a sinkhole problem that also makes
the surrounding area risky for lakeside strolls.
Great Barrier Reef
Ever wanted to dive with Nemo and Dori in the
stunning Great Barrier Reef? Well, you could
be running out of time as rising ocean temperatures
and an influx of pollution may mean
this natural wonder is destroyed within the next
100 years.
www.contiki.com
Antarctica
Tourism Australia Darren Jew