2022: The Pictures of the Year
2022: The Pictures of the Year
We sent our photographers around the globe to document our world and our times. Here are 49 of their best photos.
2022: The Photographers of the Year
Go behind the scenes with five photographers who crisscrossed the world.
She took 522 ethereal forest photos. See which ones made the cut.
Photographer Orsolya Haarberg submitted these breathtaking images of the mist-shrouded laurels of Madeira. Then our photo editor had to choose.
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Animals
- How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?
- Fireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect themFireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect them
- Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?
- This ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelryThis ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelry
- Why 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmedWhy 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmed
- SeaWorld allegedly violated the law. Why is it still open?SeaWorld allegedly violated the law. Why is it still open?
- Vengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boatsVengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boats
- These deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at riskThese deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at risk
- Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.
- World’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truthWorld’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth
Environment
- Seaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate changeSeaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate change
- Is banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserveIs banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserve
- Dust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructiveDust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructive
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
- Why taking a cold dip on a hot day could be deadlyWhy taking a cold dip on a hot day could be deadly
- California’s epic superbloom is here. Don’t ruin it.California’s epic superbloom is here. Don’t ruin it.
- Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?
History & Culture
- Meet the next generation of National Geographic explorersMeet the next generation of National Geographic explorers
- Colossal crabs may hold clue to Amelia Earhart fateColossal crabs may hold clue to Amelia Earhart fate
- The ancient history of tattoos—revealed by inked-up mummiesThe ancient history of tattoos—revealed by inked-up mummies
- The ‘cave of bones’ may hold the mysteries of human originsThe ‘cave of bones’ may hold the mysteries of human origins
- From police raids to pop culture: The history of modern dragFrom police raids to pop culture: The history of modern drag
- How the Stonewall uprising ignited the pride movementHow the Stonewall uprising ignited the pride movement
- They were seeking a mythical oasis—and found a Stone Age surpriseThey were seeking a mythical oasis—and found a Stone Age surprise
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holidayWhy do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holiday
Science
- This new birth control for cats doesn't require surgeryThis new birth control for cats doesn't require surgery
- What is the summer solstice? Here’s what you need to know.What is the summer solstice? Here’s what you need to know.
- How aromatherapy can help kids breathe in some mental goodnessHow aromatherapy can help kids breathe in some mental goodness
- At 64, Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida. How'd she do it?At 64, Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida. How'd she do it?
- A ‘kitten-otter-bear’? Identifying a very strange skeletonA ‘kitten-otter-bear’? Identifying a very strange skeleton
- Fossils reveal predator's struggle to survive mass extinctionFossils reveal predator's struggle to survive mass extinction
- You can't detox your uterus—debunking popular myths about PCOSYou can't detox your uterus—debunking popular myths about PCOS
- Raging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on MarsRaging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on Mars
Travel
- The inside guide to Cádiz: an underrated Andalucian city breakThe inside guide to Cádiz: an underrated Andalucian city break
- Crossing the desert: from incense route to pilgrimage route
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Crossing the desert: from incense route to pilgrimage route - Experience a ranch stay in Canada's cowboy countryExperience a ranch stay in Canada's cowboy country
- AI can help you plan your next trip—if you know how to ask.AI can help you plan your next trip—if you know how to ask.
- How bison have been brought back from the brink in SaskatchewanHow bison have been brought back from the brink in Saskatchewan
- A summer guide to Lisbon, from street art to hilltop lookoutsA summer guide to Lisbon, from street art to hilltop lookouts
- 5 unmissable foods that unlock Jordan’s culinary scene
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5 unmissable foods that unlock Jordan’s culinary scene