10. Boston
It has been said that if Hurricane Sandy hit Bean Town, the floodwater would have reached the City Hall steps. Furthermore, unchecked pollution will likely be a death sentence for Boston. That means the end of the Red Sox as we know it … which may or may not be bad news depending on where you’re from. On the level, though, Boston is one of the cornerstones of American democracy, and one of the birthplaces of the Revolution. It’s historically relevant, beautifully built in old Colonial style, and it knows how to treat tourists and locals alike to a good time. It will be a real loss if climate change claims this city.
11. Savannah
One of the most beautiful cities in North America, Savannah harkens back to a more genteel time, to a world of courtly manners and endless charm. Walking through Savannah is like being transported to a time when carriages roamed the roads and men wore white suits without shame. Unfortunately, thanks to climate change, historic locations like River Street may soon be out of business and underwater.
12. Hong Kong
Dazzling, exotic, East/West hybrid Hong Kong should be on everyone’s travel wishlist, but you should go sooner than later. With over 450 miles of South China Sea coastline and the Shenzen River to the north, the threat of encroaching water is everywhere. In fact, the levels in Victoria Harbor have gone up by 1.1 inches each decade between 1954 and 2011. If that trend continues, this city may see the kind of flooding that other areas of the country, including nearby Guangzhou, have endured these past few years.
