2022: The Pictures of the Year
2022: The Pictures of the Year
We sent our photographers around the globe to document our world and our times. Here are 49 of their best photos.
2022: The Photographers of the Year
Go behind the scenes with five photographers who crisscrossed the world.
She took 522 ethereal forest photos. See which ones made the cut.
Photographer Orsolya Haarberg submitted these breathtaking images of the mist-shrouded laurels of Madeira. Then our photo editor had to choose.
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Animals
- Can you tax a cow’s burps? New Zealand will be the first to try.Can you tax a cow’s burps? New Zealand will be the first to try.
- These animals can freeze solid in winter. Here’s how they survive.These animals can freeze solid in winter. Here’s how they survive.
- Cambodian wildlife official arrested for monkey smugglingCambodian wildlife official arrested for monkey smuggling
- The poaching problem the world isn't paying attention toThe poaching problem the world isn't paying attention to
- This spider web is strong enough for a bird to sit onThis spider web is strong enough for a bird to sit on
- How the global donkey skin trade may spread deadly diseasesHow the global donkey skin trade may spread deadly diseases
- How this Nat Geo Explorer faces danger with confidence
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How this Nat Geo Explorer faces danger with confidence - New owl species found—and it has a haunting screechNew owl species found—and it has a haunting screech
Environment
- What happens to your brain when you see a bird in nature?What happens to your brain when you see a bird in nature?
- Earth now has 8 billion people. Where do we go from here?Earth now has 8 billion people. Where do we go from here?
- How climate change can help heal conflicts—not just fuel themHow climate change can help heal conflicts—not just fuel them
- Look inside Nemo’s Garden, a surreal underwater farmLook inside Nemo’s Garden, a surreal underwater farm
- Pumpkin pollution is a problem—here's what you can doPumpkin pollution is a problem—here's what you can do
- As climate disasters grow more costly, who should pay the bill?As climate disasters grow more costly, who should pay the bill?
- What cities are doing to fight climate change
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What cities are doing to fight climate change - How the world’s best chocolate is getting even betterHow the world’s best chocolate is getting even better
History & Culture
- Jane Austen never wed but she knew the rules of the marriage gameJane Austen never wed but she knew the rules of the marriage game
- Meet The Lion King actress who’s been there since Day 1Meet The Lion King actress who’s been there since Day 1
- How everyday items peel back the curtain on ancient RomeHow everyday items peel back the curtain on ancient Rome
- Why the 1876 election was the most divisive in U.S. historyWhy the 1876 election was the most divisive in U.S. history
- World War II love letters help a daughter find her missing fatherWorld War II love letters help a daughter find her missing father
- How mail-in voting began on Civil War battlefieldsHow mail-in voting began on Civil War battlefields
- How Tecumseh fought for Native lands—and became a folk heroHow Tecumseh fought for Native lands—and became a folk hero
- How Emmett Till’s murder catalyzed civil rights movementHow Emmett Till’s murder catalyzed civil rights movement
Science
- Tonga's volcanic eruption was even more massive than we knewTonga's volcanic eruption was even more massive than we knew
- Chris Hemsworth put his body on the line—for scienceChris Hemsworth put his body on the line—for science
- Artemis I launch kickstarts NASA’s return to the moonArtemis I launch kickstarts NASA’s return to the moon
- Sperm counts worldwide are plummeting faster than we thoughtSperm counts worldwide are plummeting faster than we thought
- COVID-19 can ruin your sleep in many different ways—here's whyCOVID-19 can ruin your sleep in many different ways—here's why
- In the Arizona desert, NASA prepares for walking on the moonIn the Arizona desert, NASA prepares for walking on the moon
- Scientists are trying to resurrect mostly dead organs—here’s whyScientists are trying to resurrect mostly dead organs—here’s why
- Finding beauty in the details on the Olympic Peninsula, Video Story
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Finding beauty in the details on the Olympic Peninsula - What long COVID means for kids—and who’s struggling the mostWhat long COVID means for kids—and who’s struggling the most
- Finding balance in the Olympic National Forest, Video Story
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Finding balance in the Olympic National Forest
Travel
- 5 train trips for car-free weekends in North America5 train trips for car-free weekends in North America
- Why Western Australia’s coast rivals the Bermuda TriangleWhy Western Australia’s coast rivals the Bermuda Triangle
- The Alps’ oldest hamlet is rediscovering its medieval pastThe Alps’ oldest hamlet is rediscovering its medieval past
- Is World Heritage status enough to save endangered sites?Is World Heritage status enough to save endangered sites?
- Chasing chupacabras? Find something more extraordinary here.Chasing chupacabras? Find something more extraordinary here.
- Power of resilience in Oregon’s high desert, Video Story
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Power of resilience in Oregon’s high desert - This trail may be the best way to see New England’s fall colorsThis trail may be the best way to see New England’s fall colors
- Finding beauty in the details on the Olympic Peninsula, Video Story
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Finding beauty in the details on the Olympic Peninsula - Finding balance in the Olympic National Forest, Video Story
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Finding balance in the Olympic National Forest