If you frequently visits some of the world’s amazing places, then we’ve got some places you have to include in your “to-visit-list.” These are incredible sites on Earth that will soon be lost forever. The speculation as to how soon these places will last, is alarming. So if you’ve never visited these places yet, chances are it might be little too late for you to do so. Here are ten incredible places on Earth that might soon disappear from the surface of the planet for good.
Related media: 10 Amazing Places That’ll Disappear Very Soon
#1. Madagascar Island
Location: Madagascar, Africa
A Holy Grail for wildlife enthusiasts, Madagascar is home to nearly two-thirds of all chameleons, 50 species of lemur, and a variety of flora and fauna in the world. The clinging island nation of Africa is currently facing threats of deforestation, with estimates as high as 90 percent of the island’s original forests all gone. Madagascar accounts for almost all newly discovered species, and if nothing is done, most of Madagascar’s unrecorded endemic species will be lost before they are even discovered. Scientists estimate that Madagascar Island — another clinging island to Madagascar — might be lost in the next 35 years.
Would you like to visit Madagascar?
#2. Congo Basin
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa
The Congo Basin is the world’s second lung, after the Amazon Rainforest (also in this list); its responsible for a third of the world’s oxygen supply, and trapping 8 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Despite being flourished with abundant wildlife such as elephants, primates like gorillas and chimps, forests swamps and the Congo river, yet its another vulnerable wilderness in the world. The basin is under threats of illegal mining, deforestation, and poaching activities. Scientists estimate that if the current situation persists, the wildlife of the basin is likely to go extinct by 2040.
Would you like to visit the Congo Basin?
#3. Great Barrier Reefs
Location: Coral Sea, Australia
Australia has wildlife diversity; talk of endemic wildlife species. It’s terrestrial wildlife are under threat of wildfires, and so there is a threat on it’s oceanic wonders, too. The world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, is more likely going extinct any time soon. Covering an area of roughly 2,703 square kilometers (1,680 square miles), its home to over 1,500 species of fishes and aquatic wildlife which are endemic here. Reports say the reef has lost around 50 percent of itself in the past 30 years due to coral bleaching and climate change. Scientists estimate that the Great Barrier Reef would be irreversibly damaged by the year 2030.
Would you like to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
#4. Amazon Rainforest
Location: Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela, all in South America
The Amazon is the world’s first lung, responsible for half of the world’s oxygen supply. In recent years, the Amazon rainforest has encountered threats to both its flora and fauna. From wildfires to poaching activities to deforestation, it seems the Amazon is the most threatened place on Earth. According to Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) report in 2019, there were more than 80,000 wildfires across Brazil — a 77 percent year-to-year increase for the same tracking period, covering roughly 60 percent of the entire Amazon. Scientists estimate that the Amazon is now producing more than a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
Would you like to visit the Amazon?
#5. Gálapagos Islands
Location: Ecuador, South America
The Gálapagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago located off the coast of Ecuador, they are a little world wonder in themselves. Home to an incredible variety of wildlife species ranging from majestic giant tortoises to flightless cormorant to having a shoe brand named after the archipelago, it’s at the verge of extinction. Fluxed by cruise passengers, four busy airports, and an increasing population, the archipelago receives millions of tourists each year, and has been a major threat to the islands’ survival. Gálapagos is sadly reaching the end of days. Scientists estimate that the archipelago could be extinct in 30 years time.
Would you like to visit the Gálapagos?
#6. The Maldives
Location: Maldives, Asia
The Maldives isn’t really talked about that much; however, the infamous Indian Ocean archipelago nation is known for it’s pristine beaches, exotic resorts, incredible snorkeling spots that makes it a destination that welcomes millions of tourists each year. The future of the island nation doesn’t look that bright with the current rate of ocean levels in the world due to global warming, according to reports. Scientists estimate that the Maldives might become the first nation to disappear if current sea levels continue to rise by the end of the 21st century. So you better plan your summer vacation soon enough.
Would you like to visit the Maldives?
#7. Venice
Location: Italy, Europe
Famously known in the classic literature ‘Merchant of Venice,’ and designed by Italian renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci in 1502; the medieval city is under threat of rising sea levels, too. Venice sits on a lagoon, with intricate networks of canals that are connected with bridges and cobbled alleys which will only be seen on our postcards in the near future. The city is gradually sinking into the unstable lagoon as we speak, and recurring floods have only sped up the eventual fate. Reports suggest that a meter (3.3 feet) rise in sea level will do the damage to the city’s low-lying brick foundation. Its just a matter as to when the catastrophe will strike.
Would you like to visit Venice?
#8. Olympia
Location: Greece, Europe
Greek mythology taught us that Olympiads live forever; however, the ancient city of Olympia — a popular archaeological site in Greece — is dying. In recent times, factors like climate change amid dry and hot summers had threatened the site, scorched the surrounding areas, and also left encroaching areas close to ruining. Environmental conservationists suggest that the ancient site might not be around that long enough due to rising temperatures and low rainfall patterns, so you better visit Olympia sooner rather than later.
Would you like to visit Olympia?
#9. Dead Sea
Location: At the border of Jordan and Israel, Middle East, Asia
Like seriously? We thought Jesus Christ murdered this site long ago due to the fact that the sea was disturbing his disciples. Yes, he did. However, dead or yet still alive, the ancient Biblical site is dying once again. One of the popular tourist attractions famous for it’s high salt concentrations that let bathers floating without any efforts, is under threat of a mixed geological and human factors that’s led to it’s disaster. Reports estimate that the Dead Sea’s current water levels are falling roughly a meter (3 feet) each year as a result. You better go and get a feel of the already dead sea before it dies again.
Would you like to visit the Dead Sea?
#10. Death Valley
Location: United States, North America
Finally, another dead and forbidden place that’s also dying. This is the least place on this list to worry about, a visit here could lead to your death. That’s why it’s called “Death Valley.” Get it! Contrary to well documented survival tactics, no one on Earth could survive the threatening conditions of this place. This desolate plains of California, is even becoming more dangerous as factors like climate change, less rainfall, and desertification are still endangering. But, come on, if you have a few survival tips up your sleeves, would you dare visit Death Valley before it becomes forbidden to humanity forever?
Caution: Strictly Not Advised!
Would you like to visit any of these places?
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Written by: Nana Kwadwo, Sun, Oct 03, 2021.