It’s called “last-chance tourism” and it’s becoming increasingly popular: travelers from all over the world are flocking to glaciers, coral reefs, Pacific islands, and rainforests to admire them “before they disappear.” It’s a race against time, but one that fuels the degradation of these places, raising ethical dilemmas between the desire to see and the need to preserve. Prime examples of such targets include Venice, threatened by rising sea levels, the Maldives, at risk of submersion, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Dead Sea.
A report published in the Financial Times examines some of the most popular destinations for trekking in the Swiss Alps, particularly on a glacier that is retreating at an alarming rate of over 50 m per year. This place has also become an icon of last-chance tourism: according to experts, the glacier is destined to disappear by 2100 if harmful emissions are not drastically reduced. In 2024, ArcticToday reported on the collapse of an ice cave in Iceland that caused the death of a tourist, highlighting the growing danger of these places subjected to severe climatic pressures.
Paradoxically, the pressure of extreme temperatures and overtourism are pushing more and more travelers to seek unique experiences in threatened places, but often without considering their own climate impact. This behavior creates a vicious cycle that worsens the phenomenon: while tourism promotes environmental awareness and can raise funds for conservation, it also contributes to climate impact. Air travel is responsible for large amounts of greenhouse gases. Cruises to endangered locations (such as Antarctica) are also among the most polluting: a single day of cruising can emit as much as 1,000 cars. Added to this is the tangible damage to fragile sites: the trampling of soil and plants, damage to corals from unregulated diving, pollution from waste and plastic, noise, and disturbance to wildlife. Cable cars, shelters, and roads in places “to see before they disappear” also alter the habitat, change the microclimate, and require ongoing maintenance.
Nevertheless, taking a more optimistic perspective, some industry operators and researchers point out that climate tourism can become a lever for generating greater awareness and environmental education — if accompanied by responsible practices.
