Climate Change effects every country in the world. However, for the most part countries that already have environmental and socioeconomic issues are worst off when it comes to climate change.
Many countries could fall apart if they are continuously hit with bad weather, poor crops and depletion of resources. This could often mean the end of them and will one day eliminate any opportunity to see them.
As well coastal countries and island states may disappear under water with sea level rise. Many of these countries are located in high weather risks areas where floods, hurricanes and storms threaten to destroy them.
So add them to your bucket list fast!
The Philippines
7641 Islands make up wonderful country that is The Philippines. The Philippines have amazing beaches, scuba diving and you could spend years exploring. They are on my bucket list to see. As ocean levels rise many of these islands will be destined to be lost to the ocean.
This country is on the ring of fire and makes it prone to both earthquakes and typhoons. Half of the 10 deadliest typhoons in the Philippines have occurred since 2006, creating evidence for increased temperatures and climate change.
In 2013 the Philippines were ranked as one of the three top countries in the world effected by Climate Change. That’s because it is prone to disruption by extreme weather.
Zimbabwe
The biggest climate change issue in Zimbabwe is WATER. Increased temperatures and decreased rainfall are effecting water resources. This also effects agriculture, industry, energy and resources. Weather-related disasters such as drought can severely impact Zimbabwe and other struggling African Countries.
Zimbabwe is a country that has long been on my bucket list to see. With experiences from Victoria Falls to Mana Pools National Park, there are a variety of outdoor and wildlife destinations to enjoy. Many tourists say Zimbabwe is a friendly and safe place to visit even though it doesn’t get that stereotype.
Italy
Have you ever dreamed of visiting the glorious streets and channels of Venice? Well they will soon be underwater with the current sea level rise.
The amazing beaches of Italy and climate will be effected by increased temperatures and storms within the Mediterranean.
Honduras
Honduras is set nicely between Guatemala and Nicaragua. Currently the US has a travel warning for travellers heading there due to high crime rates. This is always something to consider when choosing a travel destination. According to Lonely Planet though it is ‘vibrant’ and ‘coming out of the abyss’.
Roatan, however is located 65 kilometers off of the North Coast of Honduras and is a well known beach and reef destination. This is also known as a great place to retire.
There are amazing beaches, rainforests and ecosystems to explore. There are plenty of Adventures too. Due to coastal areas and delicate ecosystems this makes it a easy target for Climate Change.
Haiti
Everyone knows that Haiti was hit by a magnitude-7.0 earthquake in January of 2010. This devastated the vibrant Caribbean nation and killed over 300 000 people. In 2014 a few major resorts opened including a Marriott to drive up tourism. There are amazing beaches, hotels and experiences in Haiti.
Like many other island states, Haiti is prone to escalating and extreme weather. This combined with socio-economic forces and deforestation leads to the country’s risk. Being in the ‘Hurricane Corridor’ means that Haiti is already at risk of hurricanes, flooding and tropical storms. All of which have increasing rates of severity and occurrence.
Nepal
Kathmandu, Everest and Elephants. Need I say more as to why tourists flock to Nepal. This country has rich and colourful history, exquisite festivals, and a variety of travel adventures to explore.
With a lot of poverty and inequalities in Nepal mean that climate related disasters will expand the issues already experienced in this vibrant country. There are many different climate systems in Nepal and each will be effected differently from climate change. There are increased monsoons in the coastal regions, drought and forest fires throughout. Without the resources to rebuild there will be economic crisis.
Myanmar
Situated neatly above Thailand in South East Asian, Myanmar’s socioeconomic, environmental policies and proximity to the ocean and sea level make it very vulnerable to climate change. According to Maple Croft Myanmar is ranked 10th on the Climate Change Vulnerability index. It is also ranked as the worst country in South East Asian on the Environmental Performance Index.
Tourism is very low since you have to fly into Myanmar. However, there are gorgeous temples and natural wonders. There are a tonne of things to experience.
Bangladesh
In 2010, 500000 people were driven from their homes by flood waters. The country relies on agriculture which will be effected negatively by changing climate. It is predicted 20 Million people in Bangladesh will be Climate Refugees over the coming decades as they lose their homes to climate change. Flood waters from the melting glaciers in the Himalayas are a huge issue. It is ranked by Maple Croft as the most at risk country from climate change.
The Sundarbans are a natural region UNESCO World Heritage site which are densely covered in Mangrove Forest. They are the largest single block of tiday ‘hylophytic mangrove’ in the world.
India
India has the second largest population in the world and with that comes economic issues itself. Every year hundreds of thousands flock to tourist destinations such as the Taj Mahal and the Caves of Ajanta.
India, unlike many countries on this list is a huge power house and according to the C2SE it is the fastest growing economy in the world and the fifth highest greenhaouse gas emitter. This could mean less foreign investment going forward including tourism. Also, high poverty rates and vulnerability to climate-related disasters could prove catastrophic for India.
Madagascar
Rated third on the climate vulnerability list, Madagascar is a giant island just off the coast of Africa. Interestingly, it is home to a large variety of animals and wildlife that are found nowhere else on the planet.
90% of the Species on Madagascar are Found Nowhere Else on Earth!
Tropical cyclones often hit Madagascar and in 2004 Cyclone Gafilo left over 200 000 people homeless. With increased temperatures and storm occurrence this leaves Madagascar in a vulnerable position.
Nicaragua
Known for it’s volcanoes, beaches and dramatic terrain. The Central American Country of Nicaragua is a well known tourist destination. People love the food and learning about the history of the country.
Like many Caribbean Countries it has become the victim of extreme weather patterns from droughts to floods. The coffee industry in Nicaragua is getting the brunt of the cost of climate change and in 2012-2013 they reported a $60M loss. Agriculture is also taking huge losses such as corn and bean crops.
Dominican Republic
As a Canadian, I know a truck load of people who have vacationed in the Dominican Republic. They flock there for the 5 star resorts and the breathtaking beaches.
This country is adapting to rising sea levels where coastal towns are already flooding and sinking into the ocean.
Vietnam
Most travellers who flock to South East Asia add Vietnam to their list of countries to visit. Instagram is flooded with pictures of Ha Long Bay. But with changing climate and increased storms this wonderful water world might disappear. The country is also struggling with agricultural impacts and unpredictable weather patterns.
Thailand
If you think of Thailand you think of full-moon parties, the Phi Phi Islands and Ko Samui. Brilliantly beautiful beaches, amazing architecture and fabulous parties.
Climate change actually threatens to submerge Bangkok within 20 years. Bangkok is home to 10 Million people and will current sea level rise it will be completely underwater.
So there you have it, the 14 countries you should visit before climate change destroys them!
Looking for more Information?
Obviously I’m not a research company nor do I have the resources to do extensive tests. Many large organizations publish some of their findings about countries that are severely effected by Climate Change.
Two that publish extensive findings are:
GermanWatch, a Germany Based company whose research includes climate change and environemental impact and public policy published a report in 2015 for the Global Climate Risk Index. This paper shows countries most effected by changing climate. Maple Croft a UK company that analyses risk published a map of Climate Change Vulnerability in 2011.
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Let me know what countries you’re adding to your Bucket List in the Comments Below!
