1. Spain
Spain, with its culture, beaches and favourable climate has been for years an almost ubiquitous tourist trap. But all is not rosy in the land of España. Much of the southern parts of the country are at considerable risk of desertification, from Almeria all the way to Tarragona. Excessive irrigation, inadequate rainfall, and overgrazing are resulting in an ever larger growing area of sandy wasteland. It’s already got so bad that it’s not even cold enough for birds to migrate to Africa for their summer break, and they’re instead choosing to stay in Spain (really). On a rather miserable plus side, it means that in the future, tourists won’t have to travel as far as North Africa to experience the tranquil charms of the desert.
2. Canada
Canada’s amazing forests and natural parks have long been considered incredible destinations by gap year students and experienced hikers alike. However, the Boreal Forest (a scientific term for forest between temperate forest and tundra) has been disappearing at an alarming rate. The Boreal Forest teems with amazing wildlife, such as the Woodland Caribou, Wolf, Moose, Bald Eagle, and Black Bear, to name a few. Of course, all this will disappear with the forests – additionally, disappearance of the forests will add to more CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, as less CO2 photosynthesis can take place, giving Canada’s environmental problem possibly global consequences.
3. Iceland
Iceland’s melting glaciers are a testament to the fact that beauty in its purest form just doesn’t last. Geysers, Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and nearly every form of fierce natural beauty can be found here, although Global Warming appears to be catching up. That’s not to mock Icelandic efforts at combating it though – major attempts are under way here to study and analyse the causes of climate change and how to control it. One plan several years ago was as ambitious as containing CO2 deposits in basalt rocks which are commonly found in numerous parts of the world, a possible ray of hope. What the more long-term plans are remains to be seen. While it’s an expensive holiday destination, it’s surely worth it while everything’s still relatively unspoilt (don’t forget Reykjavik’s famous nightlife, either).
4. Cuba
The Caribbean Island of Cuba shows little sign of political change, with the communist system still having an iron grip on the country. However, the Obama Presidency’s new foreign policy could well shine through some of the ideological feud that has been going on for half a century, and there have been whispers of dropping America’s long standing trade embargo with Cuba. Of course, while American Influence will probably work wonders for Cuba’s pint-sized economy, it’s probably not going to be very good for their ecology, with Cuba’s history of pristine, sparkling beaches and very low traffic density (due to a desperate lack of refined oil) something that is likely to vanish in the wake of increased greenhouse gases which will inevitably accompany their modernization.
Photo of Almeria, Andalusia, Spain, by Cuellar
Topic: General Travel |
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Tags: green travel, Spain
About the author
Paul Crompton is an avid reader and has a passion for cars and technology, primarily. He loves traveling to whichever exotic travel location which is cheap. His dream is to become an advertising executive.
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