If you’re a seasoned traveller or backpacker, you should know that there are places in this planet that are considered candidates for extinction. Sooner or later, given our wanton disregard for keeping the environment safe, you might end up replicating your favourite diving spot in Australia in an aquarium. Or in your own swimming pool perhaps.

I got this list from one of Al Gore’s blog sites on climate change. I’m listing 4 of these famous tourist destinations you may no longer enjoy because of drastic change in the environment. Or worse, all may soon be wiped out of the map.

1. Maldives. The country is composed of around 1,190 coral islands famous for rich marine life. Being the lowest country in the world, the islands are facing the danger of being submerged underwater as the sea level continues to rise due to climate change.

2. Venice, Italy. One of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Italy has been known to sink every year. Venice is composed of islands built in the middle of a lagoon that flows into the Adriatic Sea, making itself very susceptible to flooding during high tides, and now to the rising of the sea level. Make sure to bring life jackets, disposable shoe covers, and an underwater camera with you.

3. Great Barrier Reef. The world’s largest coral reef and biggest single structure made by living organisms (known as coral polyps) can be found off the coast of Queensland, northeast Australia. Gradual change in global temperature threatens its existence, resulting to extinction of several marine species and extensive coral bleaching.

4. Patagonia. Patagonia in Chile is famous for its picturesque landscapes and majestic glaciers in the southernmost part of South America. The rise in global temperature will have dire effects on its landscapes and glacial formations.

I’m pretty confident that a lot of us (me included) will be around in 40 or 50 more years to see these places in ruins. As early as now, start planning your trip and enjoy the sights while they are still there.