The New York Times explains why it's a good idea to visit Easter Island before rising sea levels wipe it out. Our planet is being destroyed and it might be too late to save it.

A thousand years ago, Polynesians arrived in canoes on the shores of Easter Island and later built a civilization that raised giant, haunting statues throughout the island and along its coast. That society collapsed after years of environmental destruction and foreign conquest, leaving questions about its original settlers that linger to this day.

Now the island faces another grave threat. Rising sea levels, the result of carbon emissions in far-off lands, are eroding Easter Island’s coasts at a rapid pace. Waves are beginning to reach the statues and platforms built by the ancient civilization and archaeologists fear that cultural heritage will be lost.

We traveled to Easter Island to see the damage and talk to researchers about what may be yet to come, and today we bring that story to you. It is the first in a new series on how climate change is erasing cultural identity around the world. We invite you to read, share and let us know what you think.