It’s difficult to imagine, but some of the world’s largest and most famous wonders are at risk of disappearing in the coming decades due to climate change and erosion. From coral reefs to giant trees, famous canal cities, and awe-inspiring limestone “forests,” make sure to check out these 10 landmarks before it’s too late. 

Shilin Stone Forest – China

The remarkable Shilin Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in southwestern China’s Yunnan Province. Appearing larger than life, the stalagmite-like limestone spears of this “forest” spread across 150 square miles. They were formed over millions of years from the accumulation of limestone deposits and wind and water erosion.

Hiking trails and designated lookout points allow visitors close encounters with these ancient rock formations, but this stone forest likely won’t be around forever. Erosion — the same force that created it — could be its ultimate demise. Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is projected to increase acid rain, a key factor in the deterioration of limestone.

The Maldives

With crystal-clear lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and luxury overwater villas to boot, the Maldives is one of the world’s most sought-after beach destinations. It’s also one of the places most vulnerable to rising sea levels. The country is made up of nearly 1,200 islands, most of which sit less than 3 feet above sea level. As one of the world’s lowest-lying nations, the Maldives is especially susceptible to coastal erosion, flooding, coral bleaching, and storms. 

Sea levels around the islands rose by an average of about 4.4 millimeters per year between 1992 and 2015, and the World Bank projects global sea levels could rise by 0.5 to 0.9 meters by 2100. That would pose a serious threat to many of the country’s islands and the communities that call them home.

If the Maldives has been on your travel bucket list, now is the time to make the trip. Spend your days snorkeling with sea turtles, diving alongside manta rays, or relaxing on pristine beaches.

Sequoia Forests – California

California’s sky-high sequoia trees may stand between 250 to 300 feet tall, but not even the tallest trees in the world are impervious to climate change. An increase in California wildfires threatens the existence of the state’s beloved trees, with approximately 85% of the Sierra Nevada’s giant Sequoias sadly burned in wildfires between 2015 and 2021. Despite their resilience to disease and fire due to their tough bark (which, in normal circumstances, gives them a life expectancy of around 3,000 years), the species is now listed as endangered.

That said, there are roughly 75,000 sequoias still standing in California. The best place to view these giants is in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, which hold the largest sequoias in the U.S. 

Venice, Italy

As a travel destination, Venice is in a league all its own. You can spend hours wandering narrow alleyways, getting happily lost between canals, and stumbling across tiny cafes and hidden squares. But Venice has been dealing with some serious environmental concerns as of late. For decades, the city has been slowly sinking at a rate of about 1 to 2 millimeters per year. Between that and rising sea levels in the Adriatic Sea, which are increasing by roughly 3 millimeters annually, flooding has become an increasingly common occurrence. 

Millions of visitors each year — many from cruise ships — have also put extra pressure on the city’s historic streets, buildings, and infrastructure. Projects like the MOSE flood barrier have helped reduce flooding, and new tourist fees are aimed at reducing crowding, but Venice still faces an uncertain future.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you should skip it. Go during the shoulder season or offseason to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower prices, and aim to support local restaurants and shops while you’re there.

Jurassic Coast – England

Southern England’s spellbinding, 95-mile Jurassic Coast is one of the world’s most famous coastlines. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and frequent movie set, the Jurassic Coast is the only place in the world that combines rock from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, resulting in a natural museum showcasing 185 million years of evolution. Shaped by the tides, winds, and time, the craggy coastline is not only visually spectacular but also a treasure trove for prehistoric fossils.

Visitors can hunt for these fossils, visit the local museum, or simply soak up the grandeur of the landscape. Regrettably, this natural wonder won’t be around forever — just as it was shaped, the coastline is always eroding, proof of which is seen in landslides and rock falls that can happen at any time. 

Great Barrier Reef – Australia

It’s hard to imagine that the largest coral reef system in the world is at risk of disappearing, but it’s unfortunately true. Off the northeast coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef stretches nearly 1,500 miles long and is home to approximately 9,000 species of marine life.

Due to rising sea temperatures that result in coral bleaching, the Great Barrier Reef has lost over half its corals in the last 30 years, but it’s not the only reef at risk. Reefs in Southeast Asia and the Pacific have lost the largest proportions of their reefs due climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and human disturbances.

If you decide to discover the Great Barrier Reef for yourself, make sure to read up on responsible reef practices, which help protect and preserve the marine life that call this fragile ecosystem home.

The Dead Sea – Jordan/Israel/West Bank

Floating in the saline waters of the Dead Sea is a travel experience unlike anything else in the world. But sadly, this famous natural wonder has been shrinking for years. Today, the water level drops by about 3 feet every year. The biggest reason is that much of the Jordan River, which feeds into the Dead Sea, has been diverted for drinking water and agriculture. At the same time, the region’s hot, dry climate causes huge amounts of water to evaporate, while mineral extraction by nearby industries speeds up the process even further. 

Over the past 50 years, the Dead Sea’s water level has fallen by nearly 150 feet, and it now sits at about 1,440 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point on Earth. The effects are becoming more visible every year: The shoreline has retreated significantly, leaving some hotels and beaches much farther from the water than they once were, while thousands of sinkholes have appeared along the coast, swallowing roads, palm groves, and buildings.

Efforts are underway to slow its decline, but the Dead Sea is changing rapidly. (Unfortunately, if you want to see it with your own eyes, you’ll have to wait — with current geopolitical events, the region is under a travel advisory.) 

Kilwa Kisiwani – Tanzania

Once a prosperous Swahili port city, the island of Kilwa Kisiwani is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Tanzania renowned for its remarkable and historically significant ruins. The island’s perhaps most noteworthy features are human-made, rather than natural. The Great Mosque was once the largest in sub-Saharan Africa until the 16th century, and the Palace of Husuni Kubwa is known for its grandiose design, including its 16 bays and a massive dome.

As the island sits at sea level, its beautifully preserved history is at risk of disappearing. Coastal erosion in the form of waves and rising sea levels are threatening the foundational integrity of the ruins. Fortunately, the Tanzanian government is taking measures to protect the main structures of the ancient city, but despite their best efforts, some small structures and artifacts have already been lost.

Glacier National Park – Montana

Ice loss in Montana’s Glacier National Park has been significant in the last century. When the park was founded in 1910, there were roughly 150 glaciers within its boundaries. Today, just 26 glaciers remain, all of which are shrinking in size. Glaciers routinely cycle through stages of growth and retreat, but they’ve been unable to regenerate as fast as they’ve retreated in the last few decades. Glacier melt in Glacier National Park — and around the world — is directly linked to rising global temperatures.

The good news is that it’s still easy to see a glacier in Glacier National Park — in fact, you don’t even need to leave your car in some cases. Whether it’s via an adventurous multiple-day hike or a leisurely scenic drive, there are plenty of ways to admire these mighty glaciers while they’re still around. 

Madagascar

Because Madagascar has been separated from mainland Africa for millions of years, it evolved in isolation into a place that’s home to an incredible collection of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. In fact, 85% of the flora and fauna are endemic to the island country. With over 100 species of lemurs, 150-plus species of chameleons, 282 bird species, and six species of the iconic baobab tree found only on the island, Madagascar is the kind of place that surprises travelers at every turn.

The island itself isn’t disappearing, but many of the landscapes and species that make it so special are. Decades of deforestation, slash-and-burn farming, illegal logging, and charcoal production have destroyed huge areas of native forest, putting countless animals and their habitats at risk. Scientists estimate that Madagascar has already lost nearly half of its natural forest cover since the 1950s, and 23% of that happened between 2002 and 2025, resulting in many species facing the threat of extinction.

Exploring the country’s national parks, hiring local guides, and staying at eco-friendly lodges helps support conservation efforts while providing income for local communities. Whether you’re spotting lemurs swinging through the trees or watching the sun set behind the Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar is a rare place to treasure — while you can.