Fascinating destinations from all over the world
The Earth undergoes continuous change, both positive and negative. Even some of the most extraordinary and breathtaking destinations in America are not exempt from these changes and are experiencing imminent transformations. These changes range from increasing temperatures to the loss of habitats and the pressures of extensive tourism.
Check out these incredible destinations in the US you need to visit before they’re gone forever! Click through the gallery to get started.
The melting of the permafrost in America's second-largest national park is being attributed to increasing temperatures. This has various consequences such as the premature growth of vegetation, the transformation of tundra into forest, landslides, and a decline in water quality, all impacting the native caribou population.
The park's ruins, constructed by ancient Pueblo people, are deteriorating and could potentially disappear in the near future.
The continental United States' biggest subtropical wilderness possesses several remarkable qualities. It is home to over 350 bird species and stands as the sole location where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the world. Nonetheless, urban development, decreased water flow, and farm pollution have resulted in the destruction of over half of the original Everglades.
The park, which used to have over 150 glaciers, now only has less than 25, and this number will probably keep decreasing.
Increasing water temperatures are leading to coral bleaching and ocean acidification, which erode the calcium carbonate base of corals. In addition, this degradation contributes to more intense hurricanes.
The park is known for having the most glaciers in the lower 48 states. However, these glaciers are shrinking, causing significant impacts on the rivers and streams that feed off of them.
Yellowstone National Park, the oldest national park in the United States, faces numerous challenges such as inadequate infrastructure to accommodate its annual influx of millions of visitors. Furthermore, snowmobile pollution and the detrimental impact of bark beetles contribute to the decline of the whitebark pines.
America's beloved tourist spot faces danger from various development plans, including resorts and mining. Additionally, the invasive tamarisk shrub, initially introduced to control erosion, now threatens native riparian plants by depriving them of light, nutrients, and water.
Since the 1980s, the glacier's thickness has declined by roughly 50%, and researchers anticipate further decreases in size.
The parks, which safeguard nearly 5,000 established archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings of the ancestral Pueblos, are encountering severe repercussions caused by wildfires.
The park that accommodates the highest peak in North America faces a danger due to increasing temperatures, resulting in glacier melt and reduced snowfall.
The well-known national lakeshore with its vibrant sandstone cliffs is currently facing the impact of rising air and water temperatures, disrupting the local ecosystem.
Established in 1864, the park enjoys great popularity nationwide. Nevertheless, the park's wildlife has been significantly affected by the droughts that have devastated California.
The winter getaway spot with over 300 miles of hiking trails is experiencing significant repercussions due to excessive tourism.
The highest brick lighthouse in America is in danger of collapsing because of increasing sea levels.
The largest national park in the United States, as well as the second largest in the world, is facing significant issues due to the growing presence of all-terrain vehicles. This has resulted in damage to its trails and streams.
Covering over 404,000 acres, the park's enormous sequoias face potential destruction from the wildfires that have been ravaging the state.
Climate change and an increase in tree pests threaten the park's ecosystem along its stunning mountains, ocean shoreline, woodlands, and lakes.
The largest natural arch in the world is a whopping 290 ft wide, but surprisingly, it measures only 6 ft in thickness at its thinnest spot, causing concern for its potential collapse.
The park is presently confronted with significant challenges including rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching.
This monument is renowned for its petroglyphs, which are dwellings carved into rock cliffs and standing masonry walls. They provide evidence of human activity in the area for over 11,000 years. Unfortunately, wildfires pose a growing threat to this valuable site.
Approximately 40% of the park's area is occupied by lakes; however, the availability of water is steadily decreasing, potentially resulting in significant changes to the park's appearance in the near future.
This volcanic park is renowned for its abundant brown bears that gather here to feast on salmon. Yet, similar to numerous other Alaskan parks, this region is also experiencing detrimental effects from fluctuating temperatures.
This park, covering around 310,000 acres, is well-liked by fishermen; however, rising water temperatures endanger its trout population.
The well-known Fort Jefferson is located within this national park, which is currently facing threats such as increased sea levels, coastal erosion, warming water temperatures, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching.
The park, known for its Joshua trees, is experiencing significant changes caused by rising temperatures and reduced moisture, directly impacting the yuccas.
The challenges faced by this Hawaiian park include higher temperatures, arid conditions, invasive species, and disease, which disturb endemic species.
The region, situated a mere 75 miles from Washington, D.C., is currently grappling with heightened air pollution. The existing levels are now comparable to those found in urban areas.
This historic refuge and sanctuary, used by Hawaiians seeking respite from punishment after violating a kapu - one of their ancient laws - faces the threat of vanishing due to the increasing sea levels.
Similar to other snowy regions in Alaska, this national park is being impacted by increased temperatures and a drier climate. These changes result in earlier spring snowmelt, less sea ice, and diminishing glaciers, causing disruptions to the surrounding ecosystem.
Home to the tallest trees on earth, this park is at risk due to human land development and burl poaching.
The renowned NASA launch site is currently dealing with issues caused by frequent storm surges that breach nearby sand dunes.
Rising sea levels pose a threat to Hawaii's oldest island (geologically), leading to flooding, hurricanes, tsunamis, and coastal erosion.
The site where the Sons of Liberty planned the Boston Tea Party is located within Boston's tidal flood zone.
The national park housing Maui's tallest peak is encountering difficulties due to increased temperatures, dryness, diseases, and invasive species.
The ecosystem of this 27,000-acre area is at risk due to rising sea levels and increased storm possibilities.
This stretch of land, spanning 15 miles along the southern edge of Lake Michigan, is encountering difficulties caused by a higher sea level. These challenges have repercussions for the 1,400 plant species and over 350 bird species within the region.
Constructed in 1695 by the Spanish, the oldest fortress in America encounters challenges from surging sea levels and storms.
Native Alaskans settled in this area around 35,000 years ago, after crossing the Bering Strait from south Siberia. As a result, this preserve is highly valuable for its historical artifacts. However, rising temperatures and the degradation of permafrost put these artifacts at risk of disappearing in the near future.
Sulfur dioxide-laden smog is jeopardizing America's most frequented national park, attracting around 10 million visitors annually. This threat emanates from neighboring outdated coal-fired power plants and the surging vehicular activity, endangering the park's future.
By the end of the next century, the foundation of homes constructed by the Jamestown settlers in the 1620s, currently open to visitors, may be entirely submerged due to rising water levels.
This park along the coast is dealing with issues caused by algae from agricultural runoff, increasing phosphate levels, and invasive mussels.
An office tower of eight stories is being proposed, which may obstruct the picturesque sight of the New Jersey cliffs along the Hudson River. Initiated in 2017, the project commenced after LG Electronics and environmental organizations settled on reducing the height of the intended structure.
During Hurricane Sandy, most of Liberty Island was inundated, posing a potential risk of complete destruction in future storms.
This monument faces threats resulting from sea levels in the Chesapeake Bay, which have risen at almost twice the global rate.
The biggest stone fort in America may be permanently harmed due to the increasing sea levels.
The San Carlos Apache and other American Indian tribes are concerned about the potential impact of a land exchange provision in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015, which could lead to mining activities on a sacred site that holds significance to them.
Coastal erosion poses a threat to this village in Alaska, as stormy swells progressively tear away land, resulting in the loss of several homes.
In a 2014 report by the Union of Concerned Scientists, this location was identified as being at high risk by climate change.
The park spans 1,160 acres and includes fishponds, structures for fishing, burial caves, and a restored segment of the King's Trail footpath. These features are at risk of being lost to erosion.
Sources: (Weather)
See also: At risk: These cities may disappear by 2030 due to rising sea levels
Must-visit US destinations that may soon disappear
These American gems are undergoing inevitable changes
TRAVEL Travel
The Earth undergoes continuous change, both positive and negative. Even some of the most extraordinary and breathtaking destinations in America are not exempt from these changes and are experiencing imminent transformations. These changes range from increasing temperatures to the loss of habitats and the pressures of extensive tourism.
Check out these incredible destinations in the US you need to visit before they’re gone forever! Click through the gallery to get started.