5 fading
gems
Like the Mekong,
these hot spots are
steeped in history
and blessed with
natural beauty. But
various forces are
changing them. See
them soon before
they’re gone forever
Cuba With U.S. travel and
trade restrictions easing,
the island nation will soon
see an influx of massmarket commercialization.
See the pristine beaches
before Starbucks moves in.
Venice The canal city has
been battling rising water
levels since the 5th century.
Today, Venice is slipping
into the sea at a rate of
2 mm per year. While it may
not disappear tomorrow, it’s
still well worth a visit now.
Nicaragua The country’s
Grand Canal, under construction now, will connect
the Atlantic and Pacific
while changing the face
of this Central American
landscape. Like its
Panamanian predecessor,
the canal will impact
wildlife and rainforests.
Antarctica Not-so-happy
feet: Emperor penguin
colonies here are dwindling fast. Climate change
is melting the sea ice they
depend on for survival.
Book a cruise to see them
in action.
Glacier National Park
Climate change is also
the culprit affecting this
Montana park’s namesake
ice. In 1850, there were
150 glaciers—now only 25
remain. Plan a road trip to
see the icy giants before
they melt.
Top: Monks
at Vipassana
Dhura. Bottom:
a bright shrine
in Phnom Penh
AMA INSIDER
SPRING 2016
35