These seven destinations will be in danger in the year 2034

Climate change is advancing relentlessly and is already having a significant impact on many regions of the world. If the current trend persists, several popular holiday and travel destinations may either become inaccessible or cease to exist in their current form by 2034.

Rising temperatures, rising sea levels and extreme weather phenomena not only threaten the local population, but also the tourist infrastructure and the natural beauty spots that characterise these regions.

Travelnews has collected and summarised various climate reports and scientific assessments on this topic. We also highlight the initiatives giving hope at various destinations, ensuring they remain habitable and visitable in the next decade.

1. The Maldives

The Maldives, the tropical paradise with the gleaming white beaches and crystal-clear water, is undoubtedly one of the most threatened holiday destinations. The island nation is just above sea level, and rising sea levels could mean that many of the islands will be partially flooded by 2034. Experts warn that without drastic climate protection measures, large parts of the Maldives could become uninhabitable within the next few decades.

What is encouraging though, is that the Maldives are investing in innovative construction projects to counter the threat of rising seas. One example is the concept of floating cities, see Maldives Floating City. In addition, the Maldivian government is working on various coastal protection measures to protect the islands against erosion and flooding.

2. The Great Barrier Reef

Located off the north east coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the largest coral reef systems in the world – and a magnet for divers and nature lovers. Unfortunately, the reef is suffering greatly from global warming, which is causing coral bleaching. Rising water temperatures and increased carbon dioxide concentrations in the oceans are damaging the sensitive corals: If global warming continues, this natural wonder could be severely damaged by 2034, making it nearly impossible for tourists to experience..

In March of this year, significantly higher water temperatures at the natural wonder site led to the fifth mass bleaching of coral within just eight years. This was announced by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which is responsible for the coral reef off the coast of the Australian state of Queensland.

What is encouraging is that various measures and initiatives are aimed at protecting the reef and strengthening its resilience. Scientists are working on breeding corals that are more resistant to rising water temperatures. Australia has introduced extensive programmes to reduce water pollution. These measures are aimed at reducing the use of pesticides and nutrients in agriculture that are washed into the sea and further weaken the corals.

3. The Alps

The Alps, which stretch from France through Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Austria and Slovenia, are a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and hikers. Sadly, they are also at risk. Rising global temperatures are causing glaciers to melt faster and the snow line to rise. By 2034, many ski resorts could be struggling with a lack of snow or be forced to close altogether[JR1] . In a few decades, the Alps as we know them today might only offer the usual winter paradise in smaller, higher-altitude regions. Based on satellite data, researchers from the universities of Lausanne and Basel have shown in the magazine Science that vegetation has increased above the tree line in almost 80 percent of the Alps.

What is encouraging is that snow is likely to remain guaranteed in ski resorts at altitudes above 2,000 metres in the coming decades. Artificial snowmaking is already an important means of ensuring snow in many ski resorts. Although it is resource-intensive, efforts are ongoing to develop more efficient technologies to reduce water and energy consumption. Advances in snow cannon technology make it possible to produce artificial snow at ever higher temperatures, which could extend the winter season.

4. Venice

Venice, the city of canals, also faces an uncertain future. The city, which is already regularly affected by flooding, is even more threatened by rising sea levels. By 2034, Venice could be closed to tourists, or only partially accessible.

On a more positive note, the MOSE system (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico) could help to protect the city from flooding in the long term through continuous improvements and maintenance. There are also comprehensive plans for the restoration and reinforcement of buildings, and architects and engineers are working on stabilising the city's foundations. Adaptation measures, such as raising streets and squares and building floating or amphibious structures, could help to better adapt daily life in Venice to the more frequent flooding events.

5. The Arctic

The Arctic, known for its pristine frozen landscape and unique wildlife, is being rapidly transformed by climate change. Tragically, the melting of the polar ice caps is causing animal populations to be threatened. Polar bears, walruses and other Arctic animals are losing their habitats. By 2034, tourists may no longer be able to experience the Arctic as an untouched natural environment, as the ice will have melted significantly, and the ecosystems will have undergone irreversible changes. The greatest threat to the Arctic is climate change , with no other region on Earth warming as rapidly. According to the WWF network, the average annual temperature in the Arctic has risen by five degrees Celsius over the past century, more than anywhere else on the planet.

What gives hope: Various governments and environmental organisations have begun designating protected areas in the Arctic to preserve the delicate ecosystems there. Protecting the region also includes measures to combat oil spills, plastic waste and other pollutants. Scientists have observed that some animal species in the Arctic are showing a certain ability to adapt to the changing environmental conditions. The key lies in international climate protection measures, the protection of endangered animal species and the sustainable management of the region.

6. The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands, a unique ecosystem and UNESCO World Heritage Site, are particularly sensitive to climate change due to their isolated location. Rising sea temperatures threaten the marine ecosystem and lead to coral bleaching, while changing weather conditions affect the flora and fauna of the islands The unique animal species that make up the islands' appeal could increasingly be endangered and the balance could be irrevocably disrupted.

What gives us hope: The Galapagos Islands are among the best protected nature reserves in the world. Around 97 per cent of the land area is a designated national park. Human activities such as fishing, tourism and construction projects are strictly regulated. There are several active programmes to restore animal populations and control introduced, invasive species.

7. Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are another threatened destination, with rising sea levels and more frequent hurricanes posing a serious threat Many of the low-lying islands could lose parts of their landmass by 2034, which would significantly impact tourism. Here, too, the coral reefs, which are an important attraction for divers and snorkelers, are suffering from ocean warming and increasing acidification of the water.

What gives hope: The Florida Keys are investing heavily in coastal protection projects to protect the islands from flooding and erosion. These include the construction of dikes, breakwaters and the restoration of mangrove forests, which form natural barriers against storm surges and rising sea levels. More and more tourism companies are embracing sustainable practices which include measures to reduce plastic waste, protect marine life and promote ecotourism. Implementing global climate protection measures will be crucial – so it will be important to consider who wins the US elections on 5 November.