Standing the test of time, these natural wonders across the world face their biggest threat: extinction. By Yagnoseni Das
There are innumerable destinations that can satiate your desire for wanderlust. And while you may have all the time in the world to cross some places to visit, some natural wonders, however, do not have much time. The ever-growing global warming and other elements have led some of the most unreal places in nature to face their end soon.
Head to these 10 natural wonders before they disappear
Kilimanjaro‘s Snow-capped Peaks
The picturesque visual of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain with its snow-capped peaks might not live forever to inspire literature and films anymore. As scientists in a report released on October 19, 2021, have estimated its lifespan to come to its end in the next two decades due to climate change.
Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
Victim to the non-stop human consumption and population, this great forest is facing extreme environmental negligence. The effects of development activities such as commercial fishing, poaching, damming, mining, logging etc have resulted in the disappearance of 17 per cent of the Amazon forest over the last 50 years.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This stunning archipelago that attracts tourists for its diverse array of fauna and flora has been continuously affected by numerous environmental threats like climate change, erosion, overfishing, deforestation etc. Mass tourism being a significant factor that affects this chain of islands, the national park has even started controlling the number of tourists allowed each year.
The Dead Sea, Israel, Jordan and Palestine
Environmental catastrophe seems to loom over this famous tourist site as well. Experts have even said that the sea might actually vanish within just 50 years, thanks to the overutilization of water from the Jordan River. The Dead Sea has shrunk by a third and has sunk as deep as 80 feet within the period of the last 40 years.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The largest coral reef system in the world is a popular hotspot for adventure activities like diving, snorkelling, swimming, and sailing with numerous accommodation options for all kinds of travellers. However, global warming poses a threat against the reef as the corals have become bleached and have changed colour over time. And, not just this, about 1,500 kilometres of the Reef has already been destroyed.
The Sundarbans, India
Victim to several great natural calamities like Aila, Fani, Bulbul, Amphan, and, Yaas, the Sundarbans have been continuously facing the test of time. A great majority of the island lies directly at sea level making it vulnerable to floods from storms and gradual erosion.
The Gates of Hell, Turkmenistan
Located in the Karakum desert, the crater has been burning for 50 years. Born out of a man-made mistake of drilling, the crater now may be “sealed” by the country’s government and scientists due to its exorbitant impact on nature and on depleting the natural gas reserves of the country.
Everglades, Florida
Also known as the “river of grass”, one of the most unique wetlands in the world is slowly disappearing – and has been for a century. Since the 1990s, so much of the wetlands have been drained for urban developments that today only 50 per cent of it remains for the world to see.
Komodo Islands, Indonesia
Home to the largest living lizards in the world, the Komodo islands have been a popular destination for catching the Komodo dragons in their habitat. However, the species are now considered endangered due to the dressing sea level which In turn also places a threat to their natural habitat The Indonesian government in 2020 declared the closing up of the island but called it off soon enough. but we can never be too sure of the catastrophe the future might bring to the islands.
Majuli Island, India
Constant erosion and rapid floods have reduced the world’s largest river island by half its original size. The experts are even worried about the possibility of the entire island being submerged into the Brahmaputra river by the year 2030.
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