Chapter 6: Last Chance Tourism
As climate change accelerates the degradation of natural and cultural heritage sites, a phenomenon known as last chance tourism has emerged—prompting critical questions about the environmental, ethical, and psychological implications of visiting destinations on the brink of disappearance. This idea is when people travel to destinations that are threatened by environmental change, specifically with the intention of seeing them before they are irreversibly altered or lost.
Section one
The Race to See the Melting World
Glaciers are among the most popular sites for last chance tourism because they are visibly shrinking due to climate change (Pelto, 2025; IPCC, 2021) (evidence for Question 2). The urgency felt by tourists is driven by widespread reports and scientific studies showing that glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, making them prime examples of destinations at risk (Nature Climate Change, 2025; Geneva Environment Network, n.d.; Pelto, 2025) (Questions 1, 2). This form of tourism is not about seeking new or unexplored places, but rather about visiting locations that may soon be inaccessible or dramatically different due to environmental threats (IPCC, 2021).
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SECTION THREE
Uncover Untold Stories Today
Dive into the fading echoes of our planet's wonders. Experience their untold stories before they vanish forever.Not every disappearing place makes the headlines. Beneath the surface of global environmental change are stories that often go unheard—narratives shaped by Indigenous knowledge, local communities, endangered languages, and overlooked ecosystems. This section invites you to look beyond the obvious and ask: Whose stories are we missing? What voices are underrepresented in environmental decision-making? And how can science, technology, and storytelling come together to surface these hidden perspectives? Using tools like AI-generated interviews, interactive maps, and community-sourced data, you’ll explore how environmental change is experienced differently across cultures and geographies—and why listening to these untold stories is essential for building a more inclusive and resilient future.
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