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
- Who buys lion bones? Inside South Africa’s skeleton tradeWho buys lion bones? Inside South Africa’s skeleton trade
- Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famous—is that a problem?Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famous—is that a problem?
- Elephants are learning to live with us. Can we do the same?Elephants are learning to live with us. Can we do the same?
- See how Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100 yearsSee how Nat Geo photographed elephants over 100 years
- The secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion, Video StoryThe secret superpowers of elephants, in stop motion
Environment
- Why poison ivy is an unlikely climate change winnerWhy poison ivy is an unlikely climate change winner
- Rats invaded paradise. Here’s how paradise fought back.Rats invaded paradise. Here’s how paradise fought back.
- A giant mass of seaweed threatens beach season in the U.S.A giant mass of seaweed threatens beach season in the U.S.
- What is aquaculture? It may be the solution to overfishing.What is aquaculture? It may be the solution to overfishing.
- A deadly fungus with mysterious origins is raising alarmsA deadly fungus with mysterious origins is raising alarms
- Behold the surreal magic and mystery of slime moldsBehold the surreal magic and mystery of slime molds
- See what a year looks like in the fastest-warming place on EarthSee what a year looks like in the fastest-warming place on Earth
- Monitoring the heart of the Okavango Delta
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Monitoring the heart of the Okavango Delta
History & Culture
- The real history of exorcisms that you don't see in moviesThe real history of exorcisms that you don't see in movies
- See how Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr around the worldSee how Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr around the world
- 'The Odyssey' offers more than just monsters and magic'The Odyssey' offers more than just monsters and magic
- Kosovo wants to decide its future—but will history hold it back?Kosovo wants to decide its future—but will history hold it back?
Science
- These 7 hormones control your hunger. Can we influence them?These 7 hormones control your hunger. Can we influence them?
- 52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found52-million-year-old bat skeletons are the oldest ever found
Travel
- All aboard the slow train to Patagonia, a relic of a bygone eraAll aboard the slow train to Patagonia, a relic of a bygone era
- 8 of the best new hotels for a US city break in 20238 of the best new hotels for a US city break in 2023
- 6 hiking and biking trails to explore in the Alps this summer6 hiking and biking trails to explore in the Alps this summer
- The Civil War raged outside their homes. Explore their stories.The Civil War raged outside their homes. Explore their stories.
- 7 hands-on food and drink experiences to try in Italy7 hands-on food and drink experiences to try in Italy
- Behind the fairytales: a journey into the Black ForestBehind the fairytales: a journey into the Black Forest