The second part of our look at the most likely candidates for removal from the world map moves on. The loss of some of these places would be so epic in scope that implications as a result could cause the deaths and displacement of tens of millions. So on that happy note, enjoy them while you still can!

Bioluminescent Bays of Puerto Rico

Micro-organisms that glow like neon signs underwater exist all over the world and tend to freak out and amaze people at the same time. The phenomena is natural of course and the most remarkable example is in Puerto Rico. The popular vacation destination draws thousands every year to bays that glimmer with brilliant dinoflagellates.

A variety of pollution sources in recent years however, from the U.S. Navy, rapid growth in tourism to the area and nearby industry, has left the bays in the dark. If the preponderance of toxins and artificial light endures, the effect will be permanent and the loss to Puerto Rico will be great.

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Valdivian rainforest, Chile

The continual rape of the once gorgeous Valdivian rainforest in Chile for precious wood, as well as the introduction of foreign trees such as eucalyptus and pine, has been disastrous. A mere 40% of this unique temperate rainforest in South America remains since explorers from Europe first set foot here.

Like other forests under severe depletion around the world, a population push from urban areas, rapid development for industry and commerce, in addition to a near unquenchable thirst for resources, has hurt the Valdivian. The problem of course, is that a host of exotic animals, like the kodkod, pudu and guemal, will go the way of the dodo bird.

The Highlands of Iceland

The delicate balance of economic growth at the expense of the environment is a hot topic in Iceland. Government officials have sold out, in the opinion of many, the vast wilderness of the Highlands to the aluminum giant Alcoa. The environment impact will be catastrophic, many worry, for native fauna and flora, in addition to the unique landscape of the region.

The construction of several dams that will flood endemic Highland vegetation is the principal culprit. Those who use the land as a vast recreational playground, are to say the least, not avid supporters of the government plan.

The Maldives

The islands that comprise the Republic of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean are pioneers in developments to combat climate change. The state government has had no choice but to assume the trailblazer role since scientists first drew attention to a surge in water levels that threaten the very existence of life on the islands. Tourism is the main industry in the Maldives, as people flock from around the globe to look for a piece of paradise among the tiny islands and brilliant waters.

The problem is that the ocean waters look to engulf the islands in a matter of decades if recent trends endure. Thus, from concrete tetrapods that surround the capital to new manmade islands for new settlement, the government is liable to try just about any endeavor to save the country.

Java, Indonesia

Much like the Maldives, the island of Java in Indonesia, is under threat because of rapid changes in water levels. The problem however, is much worse when you consider human lives at stake. Indonesia has over 230 million people, half of whom live on Java, home to the capital of Jakarta. In addition to natural disasters from apocalyptic volcanic eruptions to massive tsunamis, the millions on Java are at risk because of harmful human effects on the environment. 42 million people in Indonesia live less than 10 m above sea level.

Some predict that by 2030, 2,000 of the country’s 17,508 islands could be off the map and under water forever. Scientists are now in a mad scramble to document the over 10,000 islands devoid of human life in Indonesia, not to mention cobble a viable solution to save Jakarta from extinction.

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