Hurricanes and tornadoes. Forest fires. Smog. Droughts. Sound terrifying?

These are the driving forces behind a macabre new trend called "doom tourism." Aware that many natural wonders are evaporating, deteriorating or dying, people are rushing to catch 'em while they can! Recently, it's become popular to visit the Maldives Islands, ski in the European Alps or snorkel along Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In two to three decades they could be gone, victims of pollution, development, neglect and the rising seas and air temperatures of global warming.

Here's a chilling sampling of endangered places and species you might consider taking in - before it's too late!

Also check out:

• Endangered (and vanishing) destinations around the world
• Top 10 wildest travel spots on the planet
• The Caribbean's best kept secrets
• 12 best reasons to get off the resort and into the wild in Mexico