Today marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day.
For the occasion, National Geographic created its first-ever “flip” issue – essentially two magazines in one.
With an eye on the today’s world environment, National Geographic examines the trajectory of The Earth’s health 50 years into the future. Half of the magazine’s pages present a hopeful scenario, while half lay out a truly dark destiny.
The editors refer to this issue as “magazines of divergent realities.”
One side celebrates the optimistic view of Planet Earth’s future health in which the peoples of the world have harnessed technologies to feed a larger population, provide energy for all, prevent the extinction of plants and animals and start reversing climate change.
Spirit-lifting articles and stunning images tell of the ingenuity and persistence used to find innovative solutions to the planet’s biggest problems.
There are several pages devoted to introducing a generation of conservationists who are set to take up the environmental torch.
Progress seems inevitable.
One of several “super pit cluster” coal mines in Australia. It operates 365 days a year. The owner is considering expansion.
Humans are changing the planet – and not always for the good.
Questions remain.
How far have we come to date?
How far can we go?
Is it already too late?
So, is it really a happy anniversary?
