Put these special wonders on your must-visit list before they disappear

[Contrary1]

Good article. Goes into a bit of detail as why these locations and animals are endangered. Also gives an idea as to the cost of traveling there.



"Isn't it ironic that as it gets easier to travel around the world, there are fewer amazing things to see. The earth's most revered marvels are increasingly falling victim to overcrowding, global warming, and untrammeled development. Of course, the rush to see those disappearing treasures means—ironically, again—that they become even further endangered. Climate change and human encroachment are without doubt the double karate chop to many of the world's most special wonders, threatening to KO them for everyone. So while we're suggesting that you put these spots on your must-do list, we also hope you visit them in a low-impact, environmentally sustainable way. And spread the word: With the right kind of attention, these wonders will be around for future generations of travelers..."

<snip>

1. The glaciers of Europe
2. Africa's lion population
3. Central America's cloud forests
4. Orangutans of Borneo
5. The Florida Everglades
6. The Taj Mahal
7. Arctic polar bears
8. Great Barrier Reef
9. Louisiana's coastal salt marshes
10. The snows of Kilimanjaro

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25737162/

Slide show: http://www.concierge.com/ideas/activeadventure/tours/2113?mbid=MSNBC

[alphafemale]

1. K & R

[blindpig]

2. And how are we to get to these places?

In pollution spewing airplanes.

Nope, tourism makes it worse. Done a little ecotourism myself but I've sworn off, it is hypocrisy

[Hydra]

3. I'll miss the Kitties and the Bears

And the Penguins.

The everglades may get some support- I heard on NPR the other day that the cheapest way to protect the homes in FL would be to rehabilitate the peat moss in the everglades.

We can always hope.

[Squatch]

4. "Hey, these places are suffering from overcrowding and might soon vanish"

EVERYBODY go visit them NOW!!!!

:eyes:

[exothermic]

5. Which is precisely the Catch-22 with them, isn't it?

We just have to love them.
To death.
:shrug:

[Squatch]

6. I just spoke with my brother today...

he took his family to the Delaware shore and has been doing some fishing. He says there are very few boats out there, due primarily to high gas prices. He also says that the fishing is the best he's seen in years. Coincidence? :shrug:

[exothermic]

7. It does seem logical. My SO is out fishing right now, called on the radio a few minutes ago

and said the lake is mostly deserted. But no luck with the fish...the water has been 20+feet higher than normal for 2 months now, we're just now drying out a little bit.

[eppur_se_muova]

8. WEBCAMS, not visitors, thank you very much!

Could even do stereoscopic webcams.