Disappearing World uncovers the dramatic story behind over 100 of the most threatened World Heritage Sites. Sites of natural and cultural significance have been preserved as World Heritage Sites since 1972 with 851 locations now on the official list. Although this offers some level of protection, it does not make them completely safe.

REVEALING OUR MOST PRECIOUS AND ENDANGERED TRACES OF HISTORY
Disappearing World presents the issues facing conservation of unique places around the world in a highly illustrated and accessible way. From the earthquake ruins of Bam in Iran to the impact of war on the sites in Congo. The devastation caused by the Taliban in Afghanistan and the increasing pressure from construction work in areas such as Dresden Elbe Valley in Germany and Kathmandhu Valley in Nepal are highlighted. A detailed picture of each site is given with text, timelines, maps and inspiring images.

SUCCESS STORIES
One of the aims of creating World Heritage Sites is to protect sites from ending up as just entries in history books. Despite all the risks to the sites there are still many success stories. A selection of these will be presented including the preservation of the Historic Monuments of Kyoto in Japan and Cambodia's celebrated temples and palaces at Angkor where illicit excavation, pillaging and landmines were the main threats.

Chapter Breakdown
* Conflict
Threats of conflict and war
* Theft
Looting and illicit trading of go
* Development
Rapid growth of building
* Tourism
Impacts of large visitor numbers
* Pollution
Pollution/acid rain
* Disasters
Hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes
* Constraints
Managing of sites
* Changing Uses
Disappearing population
* Invaders
Dangerous invasive species
* Climate change
A rapidly changing climate