Planetary Health

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Explorers and local Nepali climbers installed the highest weather station in the world at 8,810 meters on Mount Everest in Nepal.
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Number of Explorers collaborating on a comprehensive scientific exploration of the world’s largest life-sustaining freshwater ecosystem: the Amazon River basin
OUR WORK

We’re supporting National Geographic Explorers who protect the planet.

Our work in Planetary Health covers projects that explore the relationships and interdependencies between human health and the environment. These include all natural systems, such as oceans, land. atmosphere, flora, fauna, fungi and microbes. Our Explorers study, document and illuminate these interdependencies; identify and dissect conflicts; and create innovative solutions that mutually benefit humans, ecosystems and the planet.

featured program

The National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Expeditions

The National Geographic Society and Rolex have partnered to support trailblazing scientific research, expeditions, and solutions to increase our understanding of the threats facing the planet’s life support systems and drive action to address them.
In the field

Our Explorers in Planetary Health

From the roof of the world on Mount Everest to the depths of the ocean, our Explorers are conducting groundbreaking research in the world’s most remote places to fill gaps in our understanding of the planet’s life-sustaining resources. Our Explorers work with scientific experts, policymakers and local communities to develop transformative solutions to our most pressing environmental challenges and ones that mutually benefit people, wildlife and ecosystems. They are changemakers committed to ensuring a planet in balance.

Read more stories of impact from some of our Explorers in Planetary Health.

Alison Criscitiello: Breaking new ground in science and mountaineering

Baker Perry: Forecasting weather on top of the world

Margaret Awuor Owuor: Understanding the invaluable purpose of mangrove forests

Ved Chirayath: Mapping the world's oceans

Jennifer Angel-Amaya: Uncovering the story of mercury in the Amazon

An Explorer's perspective on

Making a difference

“The connection I have with the field, with the people, with the animals — it’s the energy I really need to support all bureaucracy and all the difficulties to fight for the conservation of the Amazon. It’s a strong connection.”
Fernando Trujillo
National Geographic Explorer
Join US

Help us protect our planet

Bring Planetary Health into the classroom

Spark curiosity by downloading our resources for educators and learners in our Resource Library. We've provided lessons, articles, maps, videos and so much more to inspire you to share in our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.

Support our work

As a global community, we have a duty to ensure a more robust planet. By empowering innovative changemakers, we can make the planet a better place for all its inhabitants and inspire future generations to do the same. How will you contribute to a healthier planet?

Photo Credits from top of page: Luján Agusti, André Dib, Leo Hoorn, Justen Bruns, Pablo Albarenga, Rebecca Hale, André Dib, Ana Victoria Cruz, Brent Stirton, Ronan Donovan. Below: Michael Nichols, Andy Mann, Paul Nicklen, Ami Vitale, Christian Tryon, Kenneth Garrett, Mark Thiessen.

Get updates about our critical work to explore and protect our planet.

GIVE TODAY!

Elephants are crucial to our planetary health, but with only 40,00 Asian elephants left in the wild, they need our help, now more than ever. MATCH CHALLENGE AVAILABLE: From now until August 31, you can make 2x the impact to help wildlife and so much more. We challenge you to have your gift matched 1:1, thanks to a generous Society donor.

Donate today!