The magazine National Geographic revealed in its December 2024 edition its selection of the most striking photos of the year. These photographs, chosen from 2.3 million images, embody the splendor of nature, scientific advances and rare moments captured on our planet. Among the 20 photos selected, seven stand out for their narrative and visual strength.
Images that tell more than a moment
Each photograph is not limited to a simple capture of reality. They demonstrate a desire to document the complex interactions between man, fauna and flora in a context of climate change, the disappearance of natural habitats and scientific progress. These photos remind us that the role of photographers National Geographic goes beyond that of observers: they are also the witnesses and chroniclers of our time.
An emperor penguin in Antarctica
The photo of Bertie Gregory, where we see a young emperor penguin jumping off a cliff for its first bath, illustrates the challenges these birds face from a very young age. But beyond the striking image, this photo is part of a more worrying context: the melting of the ice in Antarctica, which threatens the habitats of these penguins. With global temperatures rising, their breeding grounds are in peril, and images like this become powerful awareness tools.
An exceptional emergence of cicadas
John Stanmeyer immortalized the simultaneous appearance of two populations of periodical cicadasa phenomenon that had not been observed for two centuries. This event, which occurred in the Midwest and Southeast of the United States, highlights the strangeness and resilience of nature. These insects, which spend years buried in the ground, only come out once in their life cycle to reproduce. This rare synchronization also reflects the mysteries of biology that science still struggles to explain.
A white rhino embryo in vitro
The photo of Ami Vitale, showing a white rhino embryohighlights the desperate efforts to save a species on the brink of extinction. In a context where poaching and habitat destruction continue to decimate rhino populations, this technological advance appears to be a last resort. However, the death of the surrogate mother reminds us that the challenges are not only scientific: they are also ethical and environmental.
A colony of parrots in Arizona
The photography of Christie Hemm Klok, taken in Oasis Sanctuary in Arizona, offers insight into the consequences of captivity on social animals like parrots. These birds, often mistreated or abandoned by owners unable to meet their needs, find a second chance in this sanctuary. This photo questions us about our relationship with exotic animals and the responsibility of humans for their well-being.
A black tiger in a reserve in India
The black tigerphotographed by Prasenjeet Yadav at Similipal Tiger Reserve, embodies the rarity and beauty of nature that few people will have the opportunity to see in their lifetime. This feline's dark stripes are the result of a genetic mutation called “pseudo-melanism,” making these animals even more vulnerable to hunting and the destruction of their habitats. This photo highlights the importance of conservation efforts in regions still rich in biodiversity, such as India.
A flock of bats in Texas
Babak Tafreshi captured a spectacular moment at Cold Cavewhere millions of Mexican bats fly out each evening to hunt. These flights are essential to the balance of local ecosystems, because these bats play a key role in regulating populations of harmful insects. But the caves they inhabit are themselves threatened by human activities, such as mining or poorly controlled tourism.
An ant emerging from its cocoon
Ingo Arndt photographed a ant in full hatchhighlighting the complexity of insect colonies. Thanks to an environment recreated in the laboratory, this image reveals behaviors invisible to the naked eye. This photo also raises the question of how scientists use photography to study and share information on the smallest species, but crucial for the balance of ecosystems.
An essential role for education and awareness
These seven photos, and the other photos in the selection, are not only aesthetic. They play a crucial role in raising awareness about environmental challenges. The photographers of National Geographic not only capture the beauty of the natural world, but also document the impacts of human activities on the planet.
These photographs invite reflection: how can we preserve these moments of grace for future generations? The answer, in part, lies in education and awareness, which these images help to reinforce. To admire all of the selected photos, go to the official website of National Geographic.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/pages/topic/2024-in-review
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