September 2019 Issue
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.
- 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.- 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
Go Further
Animals
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
Environment
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
- Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security, Video Story
- Paid Content
Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security
History & Culture
- Meet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'iMeet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'i
- Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowersHawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers
- When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?
Science
- Why ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevityWhy ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevity
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
Travel
- Why this unlikely UK destination should be on your radarWhy this unlikely UK destination should be on your radar
- A slow journey around the islands of southern VietnamA slow journey around the islands of southern Vietnam
- Is it possible to climb Mount Everest responsibly?Is it possible to climb Mount Everest responsibly?