In the 20th century, adventurers sought to conquer the planet’s most remote and untamed corners: the North Pole, the South Pole, or the summit of Mount Everest. A century later, the focus has shifted. It's no longer about being the first to visit; now, it’s about being the last.

Fueled by climate change, last-chance tourism (LCT) has emerged as a global trend, inspiring travelers to witness environmental treasures on the brink of disappearing. The appeal is rooted in the same sense of rarity and uniqueness that once drove explorers toward "firsts."

Today, we travel to see fleeting wonders: the Great Barrier Reef, the Maldives, Mount Kilimanjaro, or the North Pole. Last-chance destinations also include cultural values on the verge of vanishing. For instance, thousands of tourists visited Germany to witness the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and 1990. Similarly, during the summer of 2008, Yankee Stadium was packed with fans eager to see its final games before demolition.

While this type of tourism offers unique experiences, it presents significant challenges in terms of sustainability.

The attraction of the ephemeral.

Last-chance tourism is driven by a psychological phenomenon known as loss aversion. Humans are generally more motivated to avoid losing something than to gain something new.

This sense of urgency compels travelers to experience destinations at risk of disappearing, like Australia’s Uluru, a sacred rock that was eventually closed to the public out of respect for its cultural and spiritual significance.

However, prioritizing endangered destinations often exacerbates their fragility. This behavior increases conservation challenges for these vulnerable places.

The paradox of last-chance tourism.

Mass tourism frequently harms the cultural and environmental integrity of destinations, stripping them of their authenticity. Many at-risk locations are in remote areas, requiring long-haul flights—one of the most carbon-intensive modes of travel. Ironically, visiting destinations threatened by climate change can accelerate the very changes that endanger them.

One striking example is the polar bear. Rising interest in polar and glacial regions has spurred tourism to these fragile ecosystems. Churchill, Canada, one of the last places to observe polar bears in their natural habitat, has seen a surge in visitors hoping to see the animals before their populations decline. Yet, the journey often involves significant air travel, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and worsens climate change.

Balancing tourism and sustainability.

Last-chance tourism highlights the contradiction of visiting places to preserve them while contributing to their degradation. But avoiding these destinations isn’t the solution. When managed responsibly, tourism can be a powerful tool for conservation.

Key strategies include:

• Choosing sustainable travel options: Opt for trains or other low-emission transport instead of planes.
• Traveling in off-peak seasons: This reduces pressure on the destination.
• Following local guidelines: Respecting conservation rules helps protect fragile ecosystems.

Destinations themselves can adopt responsible policies to balance tourism with the preservation of their natural and cultural heritage.

Traveling responsibly.

Exploring unique landscapes and marveling at the world’s wonders is part of being human. Yet, it’s crucial to do so responsibly, minimizing our impact and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.

Last-chance tourism invites us to reflect on our connection to the planet and the footprint we leave behind. While travel can be transformative, it must go hand in hand with a commitment to sustainability.

Every place we visit is part of our shared history—and the legacy we leave for future generations. Let’s ensure that the marvels of today remain for tomorrow.