Travel as an agent of change to help repair our planet

Climate change is a global problem that affects us, and many places, including the Maldives. — Pixabay

What could Venice, Mumbai, the Maldives, and the Great Barrier Reef possibly have in common? Two are magnificent repositories of centuries-old cultures and bustling commerce. The other two offer an oceanic spectacle of sugar-white beaches, sun and lots of sweat, albeit framed by the enticing blues of froth-fringed coral reefs.

The answer is not red-faced beer-swilling steak-chomping Aussies; or curious flag-waving Gujarati tour groups in search of Indian vegetarian menus; or expressionless Chinese being towed with life-jackets on, for an “underwater” marine tour. All four destinations are threatened with gradual shoreline erosion or extinction as sea waters rise.