When you’re thinking of travel plans, you might consider one of the many top places to travel in 2020 that include the likes of Portugal, Morocco, and Vietnam. Those are great options, but will still be there for the rest of your lifetime. Other famous spots, both natural and manmade, may not exist within the next 30 years due to climate change. Consider some of the world’s best wonders as your top travel destinations in 2020.
Places on the Verge of Collapse:
- Taj Mahal
Due to erosion and pollution, the iconic Taj Mahal, may collapse in the near future. The wooden foundation relies on the Yamuna river’s water flow to support it, but are now rotting away due to the river’s receding level.
- Egypt’s Pyramids
The great Egyptian pyramids that have existed for many millennia may see their end due to pollution and rising groundwater and sewage water that weakens the plates they sit on. As the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still exist, it may soon join the rest of the wonders only remembered in history.
- The Great Wall of China
Two-thirds of the largest man-made structure in the world have already been irreparably damaged. And due to high volumes of tourism, development, and erosion, standing parts of the wall can collapse within the next 20 years.
Places That are Sinking and Disappearing
- Venice
Venice has already been sinking for decades, but in recent years, the sinking has accelerated due to climate change. Floods have become more and more severe and even broke a record in November 2019 with water levels reaching over 6 feet.
- Maldives
A favorite honeymoon destination, the tropical paradise may be completely submerged by 2100 because of climate change.
- The Dead Sea
A third of the Dead Sea has disappeared over decades and is sinking three feet a year. Human activity has the greatest effect on the Dead Sea since people use the water for their cities. It could completely disappear very soon.
Vital Ecosystems That Are Disappearing
- Madagascar
90% of the rainforests in Madagascar have already disappeared and continue to do so due to forest fires and deforestation. Experts believe the island’s forests will only exist for the next 35 years.
- Great Barrier Reef
Half of the coral reef, a large aquatic ecosystem that sustains many different species, has already disappeared. Rising sea temperatures and acid pollution pose a serious threat to the rest of the reef and may only exist until 2030.
- Congo Basin
The second largest rainforest in the world may only survive until 2100. As one of the world’s largest ecosystem, losing the forest will eliminate a significant amount of biodiversity with loss of thousands of plant species, bird species, and mammals.
- Glacier National Park, Montana
The world’s many glaciers are really melting. Fast. From Montana’s Glacier National Park’s 150 glaciers, only 25 remain and in 15 years, there will be no trace left of them.
