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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Animals
- Montana has made killing wolves easier. Some hunters are pushing back.Montana has made killing wolves easier. Some hunters are pushing back.
- Oil company accused of ignoring community concerns about water, wildlifeOil company accused of ignoring community concerns about water, wildlife
- Idaho law aims to kill up to 90 percent of state’s wolvesIdaho law aims to kill up to 90 percent of state’s wolves
Environment
- The Great Plains prairie needs fire to survive. These ranchers are bringing it back.The Great Plains prairie needs fire to survive. These ranchers are bringing it back.
- How tiny Monaco became a giant in ocean conservationHow tiny Monaco became a giant in ocean conservation
- Meat production leads to thousands of air quality-related deaths annuallyMeat production leads to thousands of air quality-related deaths annually
- ‘Megadrought’ persists in western U.S., as another extremely dry year develops‘Megadrought’ persists in western U.S., as another extremely dry year develops
- Antarctica’s ice could cross this scary threshold within 40 yearsAntarctica’s ice could cross this scary threshold within 40 years
- The controversial future of nuclear power in the U.S.The controversial future of nuclear power in the U.S.
- Did the Amazon rainforest contribute to the ‘Little Ice Age’ of the 1600s?Did the Amazon rainforest contribute to the ‘Little Ice Age’ of the 1600s?
- Plastic gets to the oceans through over 1,000 riversPlastic gets to the oceans through over 1,000 rivers
- Why planting wildflowers makes a difference
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Why planting wildflowers makes a difference - Highest weather station in the Andes will help scientists search for climate answers, Video StoryHighest weather station in the Andes will help scientists search for climate answers
History & Culture
- This Chinese monk’s epic, east-to-west travels rivals Marco Polo’sThis Chinese monk’s epic, east-to-west travels rivals Marco Polo’s
- Medieval elites used handwashing as a shrewd ‘power play.’ Here’s how.Medieval elites used handwashing as a shrewd ‘power play.’ Here’s how.
- The bloody history of anti-Asian violence in the WestThe bloody history of anti-Asian violence in the West
- Survivors recall the terror of the first F5 tornadoSurvivors recall the terror of the first F5 tornado
- How were China's legions of terra-cotta warriors made? Experts have pieced it together.How were China's legions of terra-cotta warriors made? Experts have pieced it together.
Science
- CDC: Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoorsCDC: Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoors
- Why vaccine side effects really happen, and when you should worryWhy vaccine side effects really happen, and when you should worry
- The Himalaya mountains are ‘breathing,’ geologists sayThe Himalaya mountains are ‘breathing,’ geologists say
- Does drinking water reduce side effects after a COVID-19 shot?Does drinking water reduce side effects after a COVID-19 shot?
- FDA clears the way for adolescents to get vaccinatedFDA clears the way for adolescents to get vaccinated
- At last, a malaria vaccine has passed important clinical trialsAt last, a malaria vaccine has passed important clinical trials
Travel
- See millions of years of history while beachcombing in San FranciscoSee millions of years of history while beachcombing in San Francisco
- Hiking a desert park? Here’s how to help preserve the landscapeHiking a desert park? Here’s how to help preserve the landscape
- What does a COVID-19 outbreak mean for life at Everest’s base camp?What does a COVID-19 outbreak mean for life at Everest’s base camp?
- These little-known sites help families connect to Asian American historyThese little-known sites help families connect to Asian American history