4. Bangkok
Bangkok is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, it’s got more than enough cultural attractions to keep an historian sated (the Grand Palace is a one-of-a-kind feast for the senses). On the other hand, it’s also a place to get into all kinds of dirty bad fun. All in all, though, the city is safe for the intelligent traveler and its position as a center of wealth in Thailand makes it welcoming to any tourists looking for a Pacific Rim experience. However, the canal systems that hold back the Chao Phraya River can’t always handle the flow, as evident during the devastating 2011 floods. Parts of the city were literally six feet under during that disaster, which caused $45 billion in damages.
5. Miami
Miami is about as close to Europe as America gets. Not geographically, of course (that distinction belongs to Hamlin, Maine for you trivia buffs). In terms of pure, vibrant culture though, Miami is a city taken straight from the shorefront of the Spanish Riviera, with some Art Deco whimsy thrown in for good measure. Its prominent position right on the Hurricane-prone Atlantic, though — and it’s presence in a state that’s only about an inch above sea level to begin with — makes it a prime candidate to get taken down by a vengeful planet as climate change worsens.
6. Tokyo
If you’ve ever considered a trip to Japan’s capital, it might be time to start saving those pennies. While it has gleefully adopted the bright lights and go-go culture of the West, Tokyo is still a city all its own. From its culture (kabuki, anyone?) and architecture to its neon nightlife and exquisite food, Tokyo has created image that is immediately identifiable the world over. However, crippling floods have impacted the Kanto region in recent years. The capital could be similarly submerged in the near future, as the banks of Tokyo’s Sumida River swell and the nearby ocean levels rise. The city has a network of surge tunnels to help out in a flood, but time will tell if that’s a sufficient solution in a strong storm. Tokyo is also overdue for a big quake and sits at the foot of a dormant volcano that appears to be waking from its slumber. This may be a ticking time bomb, so visit soon before its too late to experience its wonders.
