Originally published on newscredit.org
The earth is home to many beautiful sights to see — both naturally existing and human-made. Unfortunately, climate change and human interference are limiting the lifespans on some of the world’s most treasured destinations, and only time will tell how much longer these sights will withstand.
Jako Hall, a skilled mariner and world traveller, has seen the evidence of global warming all over the planet and its genuine threat to the environment. The Great Barrier Reef is dying, Venice, Italy is sinking, and some sights on the earth will soon cease to exist because of rising temperatures. Below, Jako Hall goes into greater detail on eight sites that he recommends travellers check off their bucket list before the chance to see them disappears.
1. The Congo Basin, Africa
The Congo Basin stretches across six countries in the continent of Africa and is called the world’s “second lung” due to its rain forests accounting for the production of a large portion of the world’s oxygen supply. The planet’s second-largest rain forest is annually reducing in size by about two million acres because of illegal mining, logging, civil warfare, and ranching, adding to the effects of climate change as less carbon dioxide is taken in by a shrinking forest.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru
Deemed one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is the lost city of the Incas. This historical civilization made out of stone without tools is an archaeological treasure. The future of this destination is at risk of landslides as vegetation damage and soil erosion take a toll on its existence.
3. Olympia, Greece
One of the top archaeological sites in Greece, Olympia, is in danger of turning to ruins. Travellers eager to see Olympia should visit sooner than later as increasing temperature averages, wildfires, and limited rainfall in that location contribute to its downfall.
4. Kasbah Telouet, Morocco
A well-known destination to visit in Morocco is the former home to the famous El Glaoui family, otherwise known as Kasbah Telouet. This tourist spot in Morocco is falling victim to erosion in the Atlas Mountains.
5. The Amazon Rainforest, South America
The grand Amazon Rainforest is the largest rainforest and supplier of our planet’s oxygen. As the “Earth’s Lung” faces deforestation, forty per cent of this massive forest has already been destroyed over the past forty years.
6. The City of Petra, Jordan
Sometimes referred to as the “Rose City,” Petra is a city located in the country of Jordan that is a tremendous archaeological site. The sight has a famous reputation due to its feature of being created through using a rock face to carve its buildings. The city might soon be gone as erosion and damage from saltwater are receding it.
7. Taj Mahal, India
Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the magnificent Taj Mahal is one of India’s gems. In 1648, Mughal King Shah Jehan built the white marbled Taj Mahal for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, as a memorial. The structure hosts around four million tourists a year, adding to the issue of the Taj Mahal’s foundations slowly sinking in the direction of the Yamuna River.
8. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa
“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is an experience I will never forget, and I hope everyone who wants to gets the opportunity to prepare for and live it,” said expert traveller Jako Hall.
The highest mountain in Africa is topped with a snowcapped summit and serves as one of the most vivid examples showing the harmful effects of global warming. In 1912, there was eighty-five per cent more ice covering the tops of Mount Kilimanjaro. Since then, that large percentage has melted away.
About Jako Hall
Jako Hall is an experienced mariner and a former naval officer known for his strong work ethic and ability to lead and motivate crews. He pursued Maritime Studies at the University of Technology in Cape Town and has received the highest level of training in Navigation and Seamanship during his years in the Navy. After 13 distinguished years in the Navy, Jako joined the superyacht industry, following his passion for creating unique and exclusive experiences for high-net-worth clients. He’s managed multi-million euro projects that required attention to detail and efficiency and has a proven track record of operating at sea in remote and unsupported areas.