India, Aug. 20 -- As glaciers melt, reefs bleach, and cultures face erosion due to overtourism, there's a growing rush to see them "before they disappear" - the premise of last-chance tourism. It is a rush to visit fragile destinations before they are either permanently changed or lost due to climate change. But it is also riddled with contradictions. In Iceland, glaciers that once stretched across vast landscapes are quickly melting. In Antarctica, rising temperatures threaten local wildlife and fragile ecosystems. The Great Barrier Reef continues to suffer from coral bleaching due to increasing sea temperatures. Is the environmental damage speeding up due to the influx of tourist interest? Experts say yes. "Last-chance tourism is a double-edged phenomenon. On the surface, it raises global awareness about fragile ecosystems. In many cases, seeing the damage firsthand can create powerful advocates. But in practice, it often accelerates decline," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. Research suggests the influx of tourists brings carbon-heavy flights, overstrained infrastructure, and pressure on ecosystems that cannot sustain the burden. Content creator Divya Hasti agrees: "Last-chance tourism often feels like a paradox. It does raise awareness, but the increased attention puts added pressure on these destinations. The key lies in balance." She stresses that social media has democratised conservation messages, giving local communities a louder global voice. Experts have been calling for restraint. "Common sense tells me that you only add your footprint to a red-alert challenge. If you are aware, you will not want to be there," says Shoba Rudra, Founder of RARE India. She advocates not travel, but awareness, funding, and policy-led preservation....