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
- A surprising discovery upends what we know about turtlesA surprising discovery upends what we know about turtles
- Cage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really meanCage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really mean
- Captivity can screw up pandas’ internal clocks—here's what that meansCaptivity can screw up pandas’ internal clocks—here's what that means
- Can this controversial approach save the northern white rhino?Can this controversial approach save the northern white rhino?
- This dog can find rare sea turtle nests—shockingly successfullyThis dog can find rare sea turtle nests—shockingly successfully
Environment
- Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?
- Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why.Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why.
- How 200 volunteers pulled off a daunting cave rescueHow 200 volunteers pulled off a daunting cave rescue
- Step inside 3 innovative new workplaces around the globe
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Step inside 3 innovative new workplaces around the globe - Summer storms can strike suddenly. Here’s what causes them.Summer storms can strike suddenly. Here’s what causes them.
- This summer's extreme weather is a sign of things to comeThis summer's extreme weather is a sign of things to come
- What does a melting glacier sound like? 'Gunshots.'What does a melting glacier sound like? 'Gunshots.'
- There’s only one offshore fish farm in the U.S. Why?There’s only one offshore fish farm in the U.S. Why?
- How to store fruits and veggies for maximum freshnessHow to store fruits and veggies for maximum freshness
- Why mangroves are key to mitigating climate changeWhy mangroves are key to mitigating climate change
History & Culture
- What is Oktoberfest—and why is it actually in September?What is Oktoberfest—and why is it actually in September?
- How the world went wild for talking to spirits 100 years agoHow the world went wild for talking to spirits 100 years ago
- Pearl Harbor was the only WWII attack on the U.S., right? Wrong.Pearl Harbor was the only WWII attack on the U.S., right? Wrong.
- Why freakishly large fruits and veggies thrive in AlaskaWhy freakishly large fruits and veggies thrive in Alaska
- Why postpartum depression went untreated for so longWhy postpartum depression went untreated for so long
Science
- Explosive images of the sun may help unravel mysteriesExplosive images of the sun may help unravel mysteries
- Do generic drugs work as well as brand name? Here’s what to know.Do generic drugs work as well as brand name? Here’s what to know.
- Why isn’t this proven cold medicine on store shelves?Why isn’t this proven cold medicine on store shelves?
Travel
- Where to eat in Tel Aviv, Israel's multicultural food capitalWhere to eat in Tel Aviv, Israel's multicultural food capital
- Inside the Thai town reviving indigo textile productionInside the Thai town reviving indigo textile production