Intrusions into the heart of nature

The coast of Dubai was once an isolated corner of desert. Now it has its own "world" of islands: Two artificial islands in the form of a palm tree, as well as a whole artificial archipelago in the shape of a world map. The ongoing construction in the Persian Gulf has caused drastic changes in the coastal ecosystem and the area's wildlife, including marine fauna and seashore vegetation.

The extraction of bitumen from the Athabasca oil sands in Alberta, Canada, has also taken its toll on the environment. According to Greenpeace, oil sands mining has polluted the Athabasca River and led to the clearing of boreal forests. It's also the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada - home to the third world's largest oil reserves after Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

Compared to other traditional forms of energy, hydroelectric power is considered relatively climate friendly. However, the environmental impact of some dam projects around the world have raised serious concerns. One example is China's massive Three Gorges Dam - the world's largest producer of energy. It has been blamed for increasing erosion and landslides, and affecting biodiversity in the area.

Cabo de Gata is a natural park in southern Spain, home to a wealth of marine life and geological wonders. But its popularity with tourists has also led to development. An example is this vacant mega-hotel, which has dominated a pristine beach within the park for more than 10 years. Following a lengthy battle led by environmentalists, the path has now been cleared for the structure's demolition.

Towards the end of the 1800s, thousands of people flocked to Western Australia in search of gold. Nowadays, the state is home to the Super Pit Goldmine - Australia's largest open cut gold mine. But while most inhabitants of Kalgoorlie, the closest city, depend on the mine, they also fear the long term health and environmental impacts that come with it.

Nature lovers often want to venture as deep as possible into Earth's wild spaces. But what if they alter the character of those treasured spots in the process? On top of Iguazu Falls, two luxury hotels disrupt the breathtaking expanse of greenery and forest. Maybe the many species living here - including jaguars, anteaters and more than 90 different trees - would have something to say about that.

Walking through the unique terrain of Chile's Atacama desert, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were on Mars. This unusual "outer space" landscape is home to the world's largest astronomical project. A telescope comprised of 66 antennas has been installed at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,000 feet) in the South American desert, known as one of the driest places in the world.

Germany is often seen as a green energy leader, but it also has its share of polluting power plants, refineries and mines. The Garzweiler lignite mine in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia is among the biggest in Europe. It was named after a village once located at the site, but the land there is now dominated by digging machines and steam-spewing power plants.

The Itaipu dam, straddling the border between Brazil and Paraguay, is considered one of the wonders of the modern world. It is the world's second largest dam in terms of annual energy generation, and its impact on the environment has been heavily criticized by activists. They point mainly to the loss of biodiversity, including the hundreds of animals that had to be relocated to other areas.