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
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Environment
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- Toward a living wage: What it is and why it matters, Video Story
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History & Culture
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- After Alexander the Great's death, this Indian empire roseAfter Alexander the Great's death, this Indian empire rose
- Why Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish yearWhy Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year
- Why some celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day—not Columbus DayWhy some celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day—not Columbus Day
- Excavating lifestyles of the rich and English underneath LondonExcavating lifestyles of the rich and English underneath London
Science
- 230-million-year-old mystery fossil hints at pterosaurs’ origins230-million-year-old mystery fossil hints at pterosaurs’ origins
- Spectacular fossil fish reveal a critical period of evolutionSpectacular fossil fish reveal a critical period of evolution
- What comes after Omicron? New variants are emerging.What comes after Omicron? New variants are emerging.
- To practice saving Earth, NASA hit an asteroid with a spacecraftTo practice saving Earth, NASA hit an asteroid with a spacecraft
Travel
- Uncover hidden legends on Ireland’s southern coastUncover hidden legends on Ireland’s southern coast
- Follow in the footsteps of samurai on this ancient trailFollow in the footsteps of samurai on this ancient trail