September 2019 Issue
The Arctic Is Heating Up
North of the Arctic Circle, our planet is covered by an implacable frozen mass—a sea, as it turns out—that humans have long struggled to explore, understand, and ultimately subdue. From our pursuit of the Arctic’s unique animals to our attempts to sail its icy passages to our obsessive quest to reach its desolate pole, we have found the Arctic irresistible and unyielding. Until now. Scientists say that by the middle of this century, rising temperatures could strip away the Arctic’s fortress-like ice each summer, unlocking resources and shipping lanes while increasing political tensions, affecting people and animals, and potentially speeding up climate change. We sent writers and photographers to document how this enigmatic region is changing, who and what will feel the impact, and why it matters.
From the editor
- Environment
- From the Editor
Fast-melting Arctic ice poses many threats—not all what you’d expect
In special coverage, National Geographic explores the consequences of the Arctic warming more than twice as fast as the rest of the planet.
Ocean trash is building up. This artist reveals what’s out there.
- Proof
Ocean trash is building up. This artist reveals what’s out there.
Barry Rosenthal started collecting plastic garbage on a New York shoreline. His photographs reveal the variety of water-borne trash.Microscopic images reveal how herbs get their flavor
- Decoder
Microscopic images reveal how herbs get their flavor
See the otherworldly landscapes of common herbs—rosemary, lavender, basil—that give plants self-protection and our foods appealing flavors.Watch This
In this exclusive footage, photographer Ronan Donovan shows pack dynamics among white wolf packs on an Arctic island.
- Now Playing
- Up Next
- Now Playing
Latest Issues
Subscribe to Our Iconic Magazine
Go Further
Animals
- A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.
- Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.
- Ringling Circus is back—but this time, without animalsRingling Circus is back—but this time, without animals
- Bears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts sayBears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts say
- 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
Environment
- Meet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddityMeet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddity
- How to compost—and why it’s good for the environmentHow to compost—and why it’s good for the 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
History & Culture
- Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.
- Meet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survivedMeet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survived
- Inside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was bornInside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was born
- How the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been shaped by historyHow the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been shaped by history
Science
- The uncanny valley, explained: Why you might find AI creepyThe uncanny valley, explained: Why you might find AI creepy
- Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad.Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad.
- Asteroid sample returned to Earth tells of ancient solar systemAsteroid sample returned to Earth tells of ancient solar system
Travel
- How a commuter bridge turned into a bucket-list experienceHow a commuter bridge turned into a bucket-list experience