You've heard about the top things to see before you die. How about five destinations to see before THEY die? Some of the world's most fascinating destinations are being threatened by the environment and unfortunately, a lot will not be around as long as we will.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, located in Florida, is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States, stretching over 1.5million acres of land and water. The park is home to many endangered species, from alligators and panthers to birds and fish. Everglades attracts tourists with its walking trails, campsites, educational centers, and kayak/canoe tours along the slow-moving waterway.
Recently, global warming and colonization are draining water, causing the river to dry up. Because of the lack of water, 90 percent of the bird population has disappeared. A 35-year preservation plan has elevated water levels, but with global warming sea levels could end up swallowing the Everglades.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, in Montana, offers a captivating glimpse of the Earth's natural formations. Visitors can hike along 700 miles of trails, visit historic Native American lodges, or take in the glistening glaciers, lakes, forests and mountains this area has to offer.
Showing the most visual sign of global warming, glaciers have shrunk more than half and only 17 percent that were there in 1850 remain today. With peaks warming 2 degrees every year, glaciers could fully melt by 2030.
Appalachian Mountains
Despite environmental groups trying to stop removals, 470 mines have destroyed Appalachian Peaks to remove coal seams, leaving debris to fill the stream valleys.
The Appalachian Mountains stretch from New York to Mississippi displaying gorgeous mountains, valleys and clear streams. Being such an attraction for rafting, fishing, hiking and more, the tourism of Appalachia will suffer for sure when all is gone.
Yellowstone Park
Established in 1872 as the United State's first national park, Yellowstone attracts thousands of visitors each year to Idaho, Montana and Wyoming with its variety of wildlife, springs, and Old Faithful.
The 1,040 mile Snake River, once the most extensive freshwater salmon environments, is deteriorating by four dams, endangering the salmon and the river incredibly. Additionally, with global warming heating waters, the remaining salmon and freshwater species could go extinct.
Great Barrier Reef
A little farther away on the Pacific Coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral formation in the world. Home to much marine life, this beautiful reef attracts divers, snorkelers and tourists from around the world.
The coral reefs are being threatened by global warming. Coral is only able to live in temperatures of 18-30 degrees Celsius. As oceans warm, much of the coral has perished forever and the reef could be completely gone as early as 2050.
Each of these natural wonders are deteriorating too quickly. Summer is the perfect time to travel so why not make this year's family vacation an experience that you may not get again.
