Galapagos islands
The Galapagos Islands are home to 9,000 different species. More than three quarters of the reptiles that inhabit this archipelago are unique in the world. The Galapagos form one of the most diverse and complex ecosystems in the world, where conditions remain relatively intact. Because of its distance from the mainland and the fact that the archipelago was never was attached to it, flora and fauna evolved extraordinarily up to what they are now, and remained unchanged until man arrived.
The species of plants and animals of the islands had no predators for thousands of years of evolution, This is why animals do not show any fear of human presence or from other animals. This makes Galapagos a very special and fascinating place and of very high interest for science, tourism and photography, where visitors can have an experience with nature that they will not forget in a lifetime.
Unfortunately, tourism is endangering the paradise that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution. Cruises and visits involve stress to the ecosystem which is aggravated by the smuggling of species and the arrival of non-native animals that accompany humans wherever they go.
Venice
The substrate that's supporting the buildings in Venice is sinking at a rate of 1.5 millimeters per year. The sea level is rising at a rate of between 4 and 6 millimeters in the same period. If we add these two factors, the extraordinary Venetian canals will only be on the surface for another 70 years. The Italian government and the international community are striving to slow down this process by building canals and structures. If they do not manage to comply, eventually Venice might become the first underwater city of the world.
The Alps
The Alpine mountain range is the backbone of Central Europe. But in forty years the summits may no longer be equal. The mountains that form the ridge are crowned by a dense mass of ice, snow, and numerous glaciers. This ice is melting thanks to global warming. In the last thirty years the complex has lost 20% of its mass. If this keeps on going, the mountains will soon not be suitable for skiing.
Congo River
The Congo River is 4,700 kilometers long and its basin is the world's second largest, after the Amazon rainforest. According to the United Nations, two-thirds of this forest may disappear by 2040 if urgent measures are not taken. The problems affecting the area range from destructive fires to mining, poaching, guerrillas, logging, and illegal construction. Unfortunately, some of the countries that make up the area are among the least stable in the world and the visit is not recommended in terms of safety. This is an adventure only for daredevils.
Madagascar
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, located in the Indian Ocean and on the southeastern coast of Africa. With a great diversity in its geography with an extensive central plateau, the massif Tsaratanani, beautiful tropical forests, mountain ranges, all complemented by an innumerable exotic wildlife, you can find species like chameleons, geckos, marmots, sloths and many more. The largest problem in Madagascar is illegal logging, which is threatening to destroy the homes of thousands of species; the saddest part is that it seems that an important part of the illegal activity is backed up by the government.