Independent Traveler highlights five of the world's disappearing destinations and suggests that tourists should hurry to see the destinations most threatened by global warming. They also suggest however, that tourists must travel responsibly in order to keep from contributing to the problem.

The 5 Endangered Destinations are:
Alaska, U.S. 
Due to its northern location, Alaska is warming five times faster than the rest of the planet. Glaciers are disappearing and remote villages are threatened as the ground literally melts out from under them.

Venice, Italy 
The city has been sinking for centuries, but rising ocean levels due to global warming have accelerated the threat. Protective barriers currently being built by the Italian government may not be enough to save the city.

Glacier National Park, Montana 
This famous park's name may soon be a misnomer. Its glaciers are projected to disappear within 30 years due to rising temperatures.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia 
Its colorful corals have already suffered several mass bleaching events due to rising water temperatures, over-fishing and coastal land use. Few reef-building corals will be left by 2050.

The Alps, France and Italy 
Scientists predict that most of the glaciers in the Alps could be gone as soon as 2037. Decreased snowfall levels have already put some local ski resorts out of business.

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