World heritage sites in danger

Indonesia's Komodo National Park is the last remaining habitat of the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. Increased CO2 concentrations threaten the area's coral reefs, while rising sea levels threaten sea turtle nesting beaches and mangrove forests. Photograph: Dave Thompson/AP

The Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland is one of the most active glaciers in the world. It has receded during the 20th century and climate change threatens the conservation of the glacier and the important scientific evidence it contains. Photograph: SLIM ALLAGUI/AFP

The historic centre of Prague has been exposed in the past to catastrophic floods, and with scientists predicting more heavy rain and rising sea levels, anti-flood protection measures are much needed. Photograph: Dan Chung /Guardian

The Sundarbans mangrove forests, the largest of their kind in the world, lie within the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal. Rising sea levels have contributed to the loss of some mangroves and further destruction would diminish their critical role as natural buffers against tropical cyclones. Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

High waters in Venice are becoming more frequent and if greenhouse gas levels continue to rise scientists suggest the city could be flooded daily by the end of the century. Photograph: Str/AP

Several world heritage sites are threatened by tidal flooding in the City of London. These include the Palace of Westminster and the Tower of London. Photograph: Martin Argles/Guardian

Covering 344,400 kilometres squared and containing 400 species of corals the Great Barrier Reef has been a World heritage site since 1981. One of the most serious effects of climate change is bleaching, which has already damaged coral reefs around the world. Photograph: OVE HOEGH-GULDBERG /AP

The Greater Blue Mountains world heritage area in Australia hosts 120 rare or threatened species. Australia saw a 0.7C increase in average temperatures between 1910 and 1999 and scientists say annual temperatures could rise by as much as 2C by 2030. This could increase the risk of more frequent, intense, and destructive wildfires. Photograph: Greg Wood/AFP