24 Stunning Places That Climate Change Is Destroying For Future Generations

Yangtze River Basin, China

Image: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone

You’ve likely heard of the Yangtze River because it is the lifeblood to China. At 4,000 miles, the Yangtze is the third longest river in the world. The Yangtze River territory is home to numerous animals, including many on the endangered species list like the snow leopard, giant panda, and Yangtze finless porpoise.

With China’s fast growth in industrialization and modernization, industrial pollution is pouring right back into China’s most vital water system. The Yangtze River is now known as the most polluted river in the world. A third of China’s population lives along the river. Three Gorges Dam along with twelve other dams that are in construction are going to forever change the ecosystem of the river, causing many animals to completely disappear in this region. The beauty and life of the Yangtze do not have a promising future.

While recycling, driving an eco-friendly car, and doing whatever you can to reduce your own carbon footprint is encouraged and helpful, the most impactful thing you can do is to support organizations who have a voice in politics, big business, and tourism. You can donate to organizations that speak face-to-face with representatives in Washington D.C., and you can choose to buy products that give one percent of their sales back to the environment. Make your voice heard by joining others who are already making a difference.