Will climate change ruin these popular tourism destinations?

Climate change is probably the last thing you want to think about when planning your vacation. But soon you may not have much choice. 

In my opinion, climate change is going to affect the tourism industry sooner, and more significantly, than most travelers expect. 

Even small variations in the atmosphere can create massive changes in the environment. And, just this year, the planet experienced its warmest January ever on record. 

But, while many people have a broad understanding of climate change, most don’t really understand how it will impact their everyday lives. 

Travel is a fantastic example of where climate change could really impact us all, and soon. In fact, global warming is already affecting popular tourist destinations in various ways. Some of them may even disappear entirely one day. 

Here’s how climate change could make travel more difficult, and which places are at the highest risk of vanishing in the next few decades: 

Here’s How Climate Change Is Impacting Travel

The impacts of climate change are multi-faceted and are already causing problems around the world. 

Firstly, there are rising temperatures. This isn’t just making summertime uncomfortably steamy  – it is quite literally grounding planes. Climate Central explains how hot weather makes it tough for planes to take off and can limit the number of passengers they allow on board. 

The unusually hot temperatures also make the planet’s environment drier. Then, there are uncontrollable wildfires breaking out left and right.

Many Americans know about the California wildfires that are caused by climate change according to the National Drought Information System. 

However, it’s also an international issue. The European Commission said that in 2023 the EU had the worst wildfires of the past century. 

The ocean too is also being greatly impacted by changes in the climate. Hotter temperatures mean melting ice, rising sea levels, and all of a sudden a bunch of land is under water. 

Plus, the warming water is changing the marine ecosystem. This leads to things like the death of the Great Barrier Reef due to sun bleaching, acidification, and natural disasters [Source]. 

The combination of these severe effects could result in one stark reality: many of the world’s top destinations could soon be gone forever. 

Destinations That Could Soon Disappear (And Why)

Certain destinations and attractions have a higher chance of falling victim to the ripple effects of climate change. These are a few of the most vulnerable locations and why they could potentially cease to exist in our lifetime: 

Venice, Italy

Many people think of Venice as the first eventual causality of climate change. 

For decades now, it’s been a running joke that travelers better visit the Italian city while they still can because soon it’ll be underwater. 

It’s not really a joke though; Venice is genuinely sinking.

According to the Climate and Atmospheric Science Journal, the sea level in Venice has risen by 26 centimeters (10 inches) over the past 100 years. This isn’t just some far-off idea anymore, it’s having major implications for everyday life in Venice. 

While the city was accustomed to the occasional flood due to its location, they’re now happening way more frequently and intensely. In 2019, Venice was hit with the highest tides in over 50 years and it put around 85% of the area under water [Source].  

As time goes on, it’s not unfathomable to think that Venice will eventually get pummeled by a storm they can’t recover from. The European Geosciences Union says the city could be underwater in just 77 years. 

Maldives

The Maldives is an island country with the lowest average elevation in the world, which puts it at high risk for flooding. Earth Observatory by NASA predicts that the vast majority of Maldives territory could be uninhabitable by 2050. 

“Our islands are slowly being inundated by the sea, one by one,” the president of the Maldives explained at the 2021 U.N. Climate Change Conference. 

Statue of Liberty, NY, USA

The Statue of Liberty is the most symbolic monument of New York City, bringing in nearly 4 million visitors to see it every year [Source]. Those tourists could be showing up to an empty ocean where the statue once stood pretty soon, though. 

One report by the Union of Concerned Scientists stated that the statue is very susceptible to rising tides. Storms like Hurricane Sandy have already closed it down for nearly a year before. It’s not a stretch to think it could be underwater altogether one day if nothing was done. 

Luckily, the Statue of Liberty caretakers are trying to potentially save the landmark from the clutches of climate change. They have been equipping the attraction with measures to prepare for possible floods [Source].    

Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest has been subjected to a hodgepodge of environmental disasters, many due to climate change and deforestation. 

As one of the most biodiverse places on the planet with over 3 million species, this is an especially devastating location for Earth to lose [Source]. 

Climate change is impacting the broader Amazon region in numerous ways as well. 

Record high temperatures have completely screwed up the ecosystem and many species are fleeing the Amazon [Source]. According to Reuters, more than 10,000 species of plants and animals could go extinct due to the Amazon’s destruction.  

Forest fires are also becoming commonplace throughout the Amazon. The Rainforest Foundation estimates that over 26 million acres of Brazilian Amazon Forest were burned in 2023 alone. Deforestation is the main cause of these raging fires. 

Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Glacier National Park is one of the best National Parks in the United States and is renowned for its enormous ice-y wonders for which it gets its name. Devastatingly, we may be nearing the last chance to visit this American natural attraction in all its glory. 

From 1966 to 2015 the park’s 26 main glaciers have all decreased in size and many of them are almost completely gone [Source]. According to the National Parks Association, scientists believe all of the park’s glaciers could fully disappear in the next six years. 

The National Park Service warns that Glacier National Park is actually warming at double the global average. Besides melting the park’s glaciers, these conditions have been creating way more forest fires than in previous years as well. 

Taj Mahal, India

Few architectural wonders are as well-known as India’s prized Taj Mahal, which captivates up to 8 million visitors annually [Source]. Sadly, this Modern Day World Wonder has been changing drastically in recent years. 

The white marble exterior of the Taj Mahal once glistened with a pearlescent quality. Now, it’s slowly transforming into a musty yellowish brown because of India’s air pollution [Source]. India is currently ranked as the 3rd most polluted country in the world by IQ Air. 

The country has also been receiving uncharacteristically heavy rain, creating more problems for the Taj Mahal. In 2023, a nearby river even overflowed and the water flooded the exterior of the monument Reuters reported.  

The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands have always been a safe haven for over 9,000 different species on land and in the sea, many of which are endangered [Source]. The reason that these creatures can thrive in the Galapagos environment is its untouched climate. 

The temperature of the ocean surrounding the islands is on the rise and it’s having ripple effects on the food chain leading to starvation [Source]. That’s a huge problem in a place that’s harboring so many endangered species. Once they’re gone, there’s no coming back. 

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Talking about climate change can make people feel powerless, but it’s a crucial conversation. Thinking about how much it could impact travel in the coming years, really puts in perspective how different the world might look soon. 

Instead of helplessly watching the world’s best destinations disappear, do your part by trying to travel sustainably. Use eco-friendly supplies, take public transportation to limit emissions, and always be respectful of natural and historical sites.

While climate change is having a huge impact on the travel industry and the world as a whole, in my opinion, hope isn’t lost. 

(Featured Image Credit: Stefano Mazzola / Shutterstock)