Vanishing Places: The Disappearing World
In Vanishing Places: The Disappearing World, host Harith Iskander explains how physical features around the world, such as the melting snow on Mount Kilimanjaro, the sinking of Mexico City, and the potential disappearance of the Dead Sea, are changing over time. Learn how natural and human-made factors contribute to the transformation of the Earth's physical landscape. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Got Science?, a science magazine series that explores and explains science in everyday life
Lesson Express
Q: What are some of the factors causing physical features like glaciers and lakes to disappear?
A: Climate change, urban development, and resource extraction are altering the landscape and contributing to these features vanishing.
Q: How might the disappearance of like Mount Kilimanjaro's snow or the Dead Sea impact local communities?
A: Changes in these physical features can affect water availability, local economies, tourism, and even cultural significance, leading to significant disruptions in local and regional systems.
Q: Why is it important to understand the changes in physical geography over time?
A: Understanding these changes can help us prepare for and respond to environmental challenges, mitigate negative impacts, and promote sustainable practices.