In April 2016, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef become worldwide news, when it was announced that over 93% of the coral reef had been affected by bleaching to some degree. Bleaching is caused when water temperatures or other environmental factors change too rapidly and the algae that live in the coral are expelled essentially turning them white. Bleaching is about more than just losing all the beautiful colors of the reef; it usually means that the coral is under extreme stress and may not survive.
These days, less than 1% of the Northern sector is untouched and only 25% of the Southern sector is still in pristine condition. Restoration efforts are taking place, but it is highly unlikely that we will get to experience this amazing location in its full splendor in our lifetime.
Sutro Baths
In 1896, wealthy entrepreneur Adolph Sutro built the Sutro Baths in San Francisco and opened them to the public. They served as the largest indoor swimming pool in the world and retained that title for decades. The baths were immensely popular but had difficulty making a profit due to the enormous costs for their maintenance and operations.
The baths consisted of saltwater pools which drew water in directly from the ocean and from one freshwater pool. After the baths were closed, the structure was turned into an ice skating ring and eventually burned down in 1966. The charred ruins now serve as a reminder of its glorious past.
Wedding Cake Rock
Wedding Cake Rock in Australia was named for its pristine white color and cake-like shape. The cliff, which is part of the New South Wales Royal National Park, is extremely delicate and unstable. The beautiful place used to draw around 2,000 visitors per month but in this era of selfies and Instagram, that number has swiftly risen to 10,000.
Australian authorities were forced to erect a fence to keep people off the cliff in 2015, but unfortunately, many tourists simply climb over it. Recently, a report has been issued that the formation will probably collapse in the next 10 years.
White Sand Beaches
The white sand beaches of the Caribbean have been drawing tourists from all over the world for decades. Unfortunately, Hurricane Irma did massive damage to many beach resorts and the losses are believed to be in the billions. The powerful storm hit in August 2017, which was terrible timing because the airlines, hotels, cruises, and attractions are at their peak during the fall and winter months when people want to get away from the cold.
Or as Hugh Riley of the Caribbean Tourism Organization put it, “Any disruption in tourism is a disruption of our livelihood”. There has been extensive work done after the storm and tourism is starting to pick up again although the beaches have not been completely restored yet.
The Galapagos Islands
The breathtaking Galapagos Islands in the Republic of Ecuador still exist but they have been severely damaged due to tourism. The islands, which offer a glimpse of nature and wildlife seen nowhere else, have changed dramatically since our grandparents’ time. So much so, that UNESCO put them on the World Heritage in Danger list in 2007.
These days, tourists face many restrictions and cannot even visit the Galapagos National Park without a licensed guide. Hurry up and visit because it may not be long before even more drastic measures are taken to save the ecosystem and tourists are not allowed there at all.