Earth Day
Fifty years ago we celebrated the first Earth Day. Where will we be 50 years from now?
- From the editor
Why we explored two starkly different futures for the Earth in 50 years
National Geographic questions what lies ahead for the planet—will it be saved or lost? So far, it’s impossible to predict.
Read- Interactive
See how your city’s climate might change by 2070
Change is coming for every corner of the planet. Explore what your city could feel like 50 years from now.
ExploreWhy we’ll succeed in saving the planet from climate change
- Essay
Why we’ll succeed in saving the planet from climate change
Life will be different—and warmer—in 2070. But we will find ways to limit carbon emissions, embrace nature, and thrive.We took the Great American Road Trip—in electric cars
We took the Great American Road Trip—in electric cars
A cross-country journey in electric cars reveals how alternative energy sources could help power us into a sustainable future.Greta wasn't the first to demand climate action. Meet more young activists.
Greta wasn't the first to demand climate action. Meet more young activists.
In what they see as a battle for their future, youths are taking action and demanding their elders do more to protect the planet.Your actions alone can’t save the planet—but these habits can help
- Decoder
Your actions alone can’t save the planet—but these habits can help
Each of us can help lighten our ecological load—in our homes, our neighborhoods, and the wider world.50 years of progress—and setbacks—since the first Earth Day
- Timeline
50 years of progress—and setbacks—since the first Earth Day
Many countries have cleaner air, water, and land. But we face a rapidly warming climate, rising extinction, and other challenges.Why we won’t avoid a climate catastrophe
- Essay
Why we won’t avoid a climate catastrophe
By not doing enough to fight global warming, we’re trashing the planet. Innovation may save us, but it will not be pretty.As climate change alters beloved landscapes, we feel the loss
As climate change alters beloved landscapes, we feel the loss
The environment’s chaotic transformation is damaging many of our favorite places—and causing a shared ‘homesickness’.See which cities will feel the brunt of climate change
- Graphic
See which cities will feel the brunt of climate change
The whole planet will feel climate change's impacts over coming decades. But some cities will see more dramatic changes in temperature or precipitation than others.Hidden landscapes reveal how humans have reshaped the planet
- Through the Lens
Hidden landscapes reveal how humans have reshaped the planet
For every “great creation,” humans have wrought “a greater act of destruction,” says this photographer.This is how we’ve damaged the world—and what we can do about it.
- Map
This is how we’ve damaged the world—and what we can do about it.
Humans have altered most of the planet. To protect it, we must save these places first.Latest Issues
Subscribe to National Geographic
Go Further
Animals
- These truffle-hunting dogs are advancing the science of fungiThese truffle-hunting dogs are advancing the science of fungi
- Invasive species are messing with the mating rituals of nativesInvasive species are messing with the mating rituals of natives
- How to set up a bird feeder to attract your favorite speciesHow to set up a bird feeder to attract your favorite species
Environment
- Scientists record coldest ocean temperature in Earth's historyScientists record coldest ocean temperature in Earth's history
- Inside spogomi, the growing competitive sport of picking up trashInside spogomi, the growing competitive sport of picking up trash
- The uncertain future of the world's most expensive spiceThe uncertain future of the world's most expensive spice
- A marine scientist explains why she eats seafood—even octopusA marine scientist explains why she eats seafood—even octopus
- What is black ice? The science behind the winter threatWhat is black ice? The science behind the winter threat
- See a ghost 'fairyland' forest reemerge in FloridaSee a ghost 'fairyland' forest reemerge in Florida
- Searching for life across the planet’s frigid frontiersSearching for life across the planet’s frigid frontiers
- Busting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energyBusting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energy
- How this photographer captured 129 portraits of fire survivorsHow this photographer captured 129 portraits of fire survivors
- How smart cities are being reinvented after natural disastersHow smart cities are being reinvented after natural disasters
- The industrial waste site that glitters like a glacierThe industrial waste site that glitters like a glacier
History & Culture
- Riffing with Mulatu Astatke, the king of Swinging AddisRiffing with Mulatu Astatke, the king of Swinging Addis
- The teen who refused to give up her seat on a segregated busThe teen who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus
- What the archaeologists of the future will discover about usWhat the archaeologists of the future will discover about us
- What is Imbolc? This Celtic festival welcomes spring—in FebruaryWhat is Imbolc? This Celtic festival welcomes spring—in February
Science
- How scientists are making the power of invisibility a realityHow scientists are making the power of invisibility a reality
- Scientists assemble the most detailed map of dark matter everScientists assemble the most detailed map of dark matter ever
- How breast cancer research is helping prostate cancer patientsHow breast cancer research is helping prostate cancer patients
- Inside the quest to build the ultimate nonalcoholic beerInside the quest to build the ultimate nonalcoholic beer
Travel
- Trace the journey of Spain's prized delicacy—jamón ibéricoTrace the journey of Spain's prized delicacy—jamón ibérico
- Plan a slow weekend in New York State’s Orange County
- Paid Content
Plan a slow weekend in New York State’s Orange County - This Wyoming dude ranch is an iconic slice of AmericanaThis Wyoming dude ranch is an iconic slice of Americana
- This national park site is celebrating its 250th anniversaryThis national park site is celebrating its 250th anniversary
- Why this creative capital should be your next European city break
- Paid Content
Why this creative capital should be your next European city break