Our Earth is changing rapidly, whether it's at the hands of climate change or freak natural disasters. Coastlines, cities and entire islands across the world could be gone in a matter of decades, and some of the world's natural landmarks are being destroyed much faster. Whether you've dreamt of visiting Venice, or always wanted to hike a glacier, the time to go is now. These bucket list-worthy destinations may well disappear before you get the chance.

The namesake for Utah's capital city is a vast lake, so vast it could fill a space the size of Manhattan 75 times. There are plenty of waterborne activities to be enjoyed, from sailing to kayaking, as well as a variety of birds flitting about its surface, nesting in the surrounding landscapes. Antelope Island State Park also sits within the lake, offering hiking trails, horseback riding and mountain biking. It's fair to say, this is one of America's top outdoorsy destinations. But it might not be so for much longer.

Great Salt Lake has reportedly seen its volume drop by nearly half since the late 19th century. This is largely due to periods of drought and humans diverting the water from the streams that flow into it. As a result, there is significantly less food available for the birds, insects and animals who feed from the lake. Steps could be taken to encourage local residents to reduce their water consumption, but as the area's population is growing these moves are not expected to have a major impact. Add the common periods of drought to the mix and restoring the Great Lake's water levels becomes even harder. 

Picturesque walking trails and serene swamp cruises are what draw many to the Everglades in sunny Florida. Not to mention the astonishing array of bird life – think flamingos, pelicans and storks – and the possibility of spotting alligators or even endangered manatees. It's a nature-lover's dream, and you can hike, bike or kayak its varied landscapes.

But this incredible ecosystem is now considered endangered by UNESCO. A detrimental reduction in water flow, a result of the dams and canals built to divert water to nearby farms and developments, and increased nutrient pollution is killing off some of the spectacular wildlife and natural habitat. If things continue as they are, the species that live here will be eradicated and the Everglades as we know them may well never be the same again.

This 4,000-square-mile area of islands, mangroves and forests straddles the border between India and Bangladesh. It’s home to a few tiny communities of local people, and a notorious population of majestic but mighty Bengal tigers (there have been a number of deadly tiger attacks in the last 30 years). But the tigers aren’t the only threat to life in the Sundarbans, and they are under siege themselves thanks to rising waters.

The rising sea levels across the world are wreaking havoc in low-lying communities, and in the Sundarbans the struggle is intense. Tens of thousands of people have already had to relocate, losing their homes to rising tides and the resulting mudslides as the land is pulled into the ocean. The tigers are losing their mangrove habitat too, which could drive them further in land and put them at risk of being killed by local populations. There’s an estimated 100 tigers left, so if you want to see them you’d better book fast.

Imagine the beautiful canals and bridges of Venice entirely submerged under the ocean, the city an empty, lifeless shadow of its former bustling self. It might sound like a post-apocalyptic scene, but this could become a reality sooner than you think for Italy’s infamously popular city. Scientists are predicting that Venice will be under water within a hundred years if climate change doesn’t rapidly slow down. Venice is also under threat from humans with cruise ship traffic causing damage to the mudflats. Restrictions on ships over 55,000 tonnes entering the Giudecca Canal will be in place from 2021. 

The Mediterranean Sea that surrounds the island city is expected to rise by 140cm before the turn of the next century and, even more alarmingly, October 2018 storms plunged three-quarters of Venice underwater, with levels reaching 1.56 metres (61 inches). Go now to see the stunning Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica, or while away afternoons with an espresso in one of the many elegant piazzas. This may be your last chance to hop on a gondola to see Venetian life from the water.

This record-breaking reef is a natural wonder of the world. As the largest reef on Earth – it covers an area equivalent to the size of Germany – it can be seen from outer space. It is one of the most important ecological sites in the world, home to 1,500 different species of fish, 30 types of whales, dolphins and porpoises, six species of turtle and even 215 different birds. Snorkelling or diving the reef is one of the top bucket list desires for travellers from all over, and two million people visit it each year. 

And if you've ever dreamed of visiting, you'd better go soon. Climate change has caused the temperature of the ocean around Australia's Great Barrier Reef to rise to record levels, which in turn is destroying the colourful coral we're used to seeing in travel brochures. It's not just climate change threatening it though. Pollution entering the ocean from rivers is also destructive, as is tourism itself – too many unmanaged visitors pose a risk to the marine life ecosystem here.

These peculiar trees are some of the most iconic in the US. The national park they lend their name to is one of California's most popular, drawing hikers, stargazers and photographers to explore its rocky desert terrain. Few trees have been able to grow in the harsh conditions here, but the cactus-like Joshua trees are made to withstand the sizzling heat.

They once thrived in the area, but today, thanks to climate change increasing temperatures across the state, the environment is becoming far less habitable. Scientists estimate up to 90% of the landscape suitable for the trees could be lost in the next 80 years. If you want to see them before they all disappear, head to the Black Rock Canyon area where there's a beautiful Joshua tree forest. Check out our feature too on other amazing things to see in the Golden State. 

A prime honeymoon destination, The Maldives are what many consider to be paradise on Earth. Calm and warm turquoise waters lap at the shores of pristine, white-sand beaches. Luxury resorts are dotted all over, some encompassing entire islands. But these idyllic, tropical Indian Ocean isles could be completely submerged within just a few generations, scientists say.

The archipelago is the world's lowest-lying country, meaning it'll be one of the first nations to go as sea levels continue to rise. Concerns are so severe that, in 2008, then-president Mohamed Nasheed announced he was going to buy land for the islanders elsewhere, as at some point the 380,000-strong population could become refugees as a result of climate change. For now, thankfully, the only thing submerged in the Maldives is the thousands of visitors who come to sunbathe, swim and snorkel here. But it's worth booking your trip to paradise now, before it becomes a modern Atlantis. 

Another low-lying archipelago, the tropical Solomon Islands are situated in the south-west Pacific Ocean. Visitors come here to find peace, quiet and a spot of sunshine, as well as explore the colourful coral reefs off shore with a snorkel. There's an amazing active volcano and a Japanese wreck to explore under the water. But soon these might not be the only things beneath the ocean's surface. The country is at risk of being swallowed by the sea, thanks to those rising water levels.

At least five of the islands in the archipelago have already been submerged and the coastlines of many others have shrunk as a result of rising sea levels caused by climate change. Whole villages have been lost in this way and their communities have been forced to relocate. Not only does this affect the size of the land, but the encroaching ocean makes it harder for farmers to grow food because the soil becomes too salty. If the Solomon Islands aren't entirely submerged, its residents – and visitors – will likely have to leave when life becomes unsustainable. 

The lowest place on Earth, the Dead Sea is one of the highlights of the Middle East. Set in the Judean Desert, surrounded by rocky hills and scattered with salt and mineral pans, it's a welcome water body in such an arid landscape. This seemingly miraculous lake is so popular, it even has a beach resort. Ein Bokek has changing rooms, open-air showers and even lifeguards to ensure the thousands of visitors that come to float in these high-salinity waters do so safely.

But the water level of the Dead Sea is said to be dropping by around 1.4 metres (three feet) a year. Fifty years ago the lake covered an area of around 1,000 square kilometres (386 square miles), but it's nearly half that today. Ein Bokek has been a victim of this rapid shrinking – the waters that gently lap its beach are now supplied by a reservoir. Some believe the Dead Sea will be entirely empty by 2050, but new plans have recently emerged to rescue it. Whatever happens, it's still a spectacular sight today, and well worth a spot on your bucket list.

It's not just the lowest places in the world that are at risk of disappearing. Some of the highest points in Europe are also being dramatically changed as a result of the shifting climate. The Hohe Tauern mountain range, set within the Austrian Alps, is home to the nine-kilometre-long (5.6 mile) Pasterze Glacier. The once-impressive body of ice is today losing five metres (16 feet) in height and 20 metres (65 feet) in length annually, all as a result of rising temperatures at the hands of climate change.

The temperature of the Alps has reportedly risen by almost 2°C (3.6°F) over the past 120 years and it's predicted it could rise by a further 2°C (3.6°F) over the next few decades. But it's not just the ice that's melting. If you've ever been a thrill-seeking skier, you might want to get your fix soon. Officials say Alpine ski resorts could lose up to 70% of their snow cover by the end of the century, which would destroy the winter economies in places like Hintertux and Kitzbühel, Austria. 

The two Patagonian Ice Fields are one of the most beautiful places in the world. Huge, Game of Thrones-worthy walls of cobalt blue ice stand tall against a backdrop of vertiginous, snow-capped mountains, and visitors come in boats to watch the glaciers calve into the ocean. But these impressive, roaring displays are bittersweet – the frequency is increasing, which can only mean one thing: these glaciers are retreating.

Thanks to climate change, the Patagonian Ice Fields are melting faster than ever before, as the ice can no longer stay solid in today’s rising temperatures. Some glaciers in the fields have lost up to half their length in just the past three decades, according to the Earth Observatory. There is a silver lining, though – scientists now have access to rock and soil never before seen by modern man, meaning the melting glaciers are giving up secrets about the Earth’s past, and could offer a window into the future of our planet.

Another paradise archipelago, the 155 islands that make up the Seychelles are famous for their gloriously white beaches and swaying palms. A holiday here could mean sunbathing, swimming, or hiking – there are a few sublime trails taking in cinnamon and rubber forests and tea plantations. Plus, you can meet giant tortoises at the natural sanctuary that is Cousin Island. But all of this is in danger, as the Seychelles could end up under water.

Its low-lying state means as oceans rise, the land is swallowed up by the sea – a study in 2014 found that sea levels are at their highest in 6,000 years. Beaches are becoming ever smaller, with tides rising higher. As the temperatures in the water increase, those turtles nesting on the beach are also becoming endangered. There are still plenty of resorts on the islands, and tourism is booming, but for how much longer is uncertain.

The cheeky little lemurs that jump and swing in Madagascar’s forests are the main draw for visitors to these islands. The rare endemic species are found nowhere else in the world, and so a trip here is high on the bucket list of many wildlife lovers. The islands have far more to see too, with brilliant beaches, bustling cities and fascinating geological formations like the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. But a hike in the Atsinanana Rainforest is the highlight, where you’ll likely meet some of those leaping lemurs.

But their habitat is under great threat, with illegal logging decimating the incredibly biodiverse rainforest. The WWF estimate that over 90% of all lemur species are now close to extinction due to habitat loss at the hands of humans, with the ebony and rosewood trades most damaging. Thanks to government corruption and a mafia-style logging trade, little is being done to curb the issue. Go now, before the trees and lemurs become extinct.

Penguins and the South Pole – that’s what many of us imaging when we think of Antarctica. That, and a land of bright-white ice. Exploring this continent is easier than ever today, with specialised cruise ships taking small expeditions of tourists to see the vast, icy desert land. You can watch glaciers calve into the ocean, marvelling at the guttural sound created by such a shift, and visit penguin colonies or kayak among icebergs.

Around 98% of the Antarctic continent is made up of ice, averaging around 1,600 metres thick. But with rising temperatures in the ocean and in our climate, this could be set to change in the future. Flowing water has been found in areas where scientists once believed it wasn’t possible, and now there is concern that the entire ice shelf could melt. Find out how to book your Antarctic expedition before it’s too late.

The Arctic is a mesmerising and enigmatic destination. Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, the USA and Canada all have land within the Arctic circle, offering access to wild, untamed landscapes where polar bears roam and the Northern Lights dance in the sky. Tourist expeditions to the North Pole are easier and cheaper than ever, so it’s a brilliant time to explore this pristine region.

But the Arctic as we know it today – an icy spectacle home to plenty of wildlife – could disappear sooner than you might think. It’s normal for most of the Arctic sea ice to melt in the summer and re-freeze in winter. But in recent years there has been unprecedented melting, leading to far less ice in both seasons. Since the 1950s, we have lost half a million square miles of winter sea ice. Scientists are now predicting, if temperatures continue to rise at the rate they are now, the Arctic ice will disappear entirely by 2050. 

Now discover 101 bucket-list experiences to book now. 

An archipelago in the Central Pacific, the Kiribati islands are strung out along the equator. They’re a prime fishing destination, and hundreds of visitors come to see what they can catch during a day on the water, before retreating to a beautiful beach to catch the sunset. Uninhabited islands shelter seabirds and coral reefs are home to thousands of fish, corals and even manta rays and turtles.

“Water is a dominant feature in the lives of the I-Kiribati, and for all visitors” says the tourist board’s website. It’s true, but it’s perhaps not as romantic as it sounds. The rising sea levels have forced residents in the Kiribati islands from their homes. The land is growing smaller as the ocean takes over, and the main atoll of Tarawa is under immense pressure as its population is being crammed in by encroaching tides. There’s also immense fear of tsunamis – the archipelago is one natural disaster away from disappearing entirely.

At some point in the near future, it might well be necessary to rename Glacier National Park. This incredibly beautiful, million-plus acres of mountains, lakes and glaciers is changing, and fast. What was once an icy area, ripe for road tripping along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road or hiking along its many trails, is now losing its most impressive part: the glaciers.

According to a study by the US Geological Survey and Portland State University, some glaciers in Montana have lost up to 85% of their mass in the last 50 years. The national park once had 150, but today there are fewer than 40. “Inexorably going into their final demise” is how one scientist described them, and so it seems this beautiful natural landscape will not be Glacier National Park for much longer.

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