National Geographic Magazine
2021: The year in pictures
2021: The year in pictures
46 photographs from an unforgettable yearExploreSee more of 2021’s best photography, along with the most amazing discoveries of the year and the year’s biggest environmental wins.
Welcome to Earth
December 2021 issue
From the editor
- Magazine
- From the Editor
Think you know the planet? ‘Welcome to Earth’ will test that.
In print, online, and in a broadcast series hosted by actor Will Smith, scientists and explorers journey to extreme places and explain curious phenomena.
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More than 50 years after redlining was banned by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, its lingering effects leave many low-income and often communities of color with fewer trees to keep their neighborhoods cool.
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Animals
- The endangered axolotl has found fame—is that enough to save it?The endangered axolotl has found fame—is that enough to save it?
- Giraffe populations are rising, giving new hope to scientistsGiraffe populations are rising, giving new hope to scientists
- Rescues of rare Philippine eagles soar during the pandemicRescues of rare Philippine eagles soar during the pandemic
- In Indonesia, orangutan killings often go unpunishedIn Indonesia, orangutan killings often go unpunished
Environment
- A circle of life in the Okavango Basin, Video Story
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A circle of life in the Okavango Basin - The prince, the mayor, and the U.S. fish that ate JapanThe prince, the mayor, and the U.S. fish that ate Japan
- A rising tide is drowning Indonesian villages—and their deadA rising tide is drowning Indonesian villages—and their dead
- An imported tree fuels Patagonia’s terrifying summer firesAn imported tree fuels Patagonia’s terrifying summer fires
- Understand how Hong Kong’s coral communities have declined
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Understand how Hong Kong’s coral communities have declined - A national 'climate corps'? California is leading the wayA national 'climate corps'? California is leading the way
- How small changes to our diet can benefit the planetHow small changes to our diet can benefit the planet
- Could crushed rocks absorb enough carbon to curb global warming?Could crushed rocks absorb enough carbon to curb global warming?
- Cultivating the world’s largest, stinkiest flower is no small taskCultivating the world’s largest, stinkiest flower is no small task
- Costa Rica’s pristine ‘Shark Island’ now a massive marine reserveCosta Rica’s pristine ‘Shark Island’ now a massive marine reserve
- These national forests let you cut your own Christmas treeThese national forests let you cut your own Christmas tree
- Why the link between climate change and tornadoes is complicatedWhy the link between climate change and tornadoes is complicated
History & Culture
- How MLK’s multifaceted view on human rights still inspiresHow MLK’s multifaceted view on human rights still inspires
- Walking the Earth for 9 years plays tricks on your mindWalking the Earth for 9 years plays tricks on your mind
- Did hallucinogenic booze fuel politics in ancient Peru?Did hallucinogenic booze fuel politics in ancient Peru?
Science
- Could viruses cause Alzheimer's? COVID-19 studies offer clues.Could viruses cause Alzheimer's? COVID-19 studies offer clues.
- Follow the journey to K2’s summit in the deadliest seasonFollow the journey to K2’s summit in the deadliest season
- How an all-Nepali team made mountaineering historyHow an all-Nepali team made mountaineering history
Travel
- It’s summer in Antarctica. Here’s how to explore responsibly.It’s summer in Antarctica. Here’s how to explore responsibly.
- These vintage photos show the timeless allure of travelThese vintage photos show the timeless allure of travel
- Discover unparalleled experiences in Seoul where you least expect
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Discover unparalleled experiences in Seoul where you least expect - How climbers faced down this harrowing ‘death zone’How climbers faced down this harrowing ‘death zone’
- The controversy behind this Silk Road city’s ancient wondersThe controversy behind this Silk Road city’s ancient wonders