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
- To save Yosemite’s bats, scientists need help finding themTo save Yosemite’s bats, scientists need help finding them
- A rare glimpse into the lives of Amazonian manateesA rare glimpse into the lives of Amazonian manatees
- How this iconic photo turned a reclusive cougar into a starHow this iconic photo turned a reclusive cougar into a star
- Octopus caught defending its space—by throwing thingsOctopus caught defending its space—by throwing things
- If you live near polar bears, ‘bear-dar’ could save your lifeIf you live near polar bears, ‘bear-dar’ could save your life
- Dolphins are being drowned out by noise pollution in Hong KongDolphins are being drowned out by noise pollution in Hong Kong
- Toothless and ‘paltry’: Critics slam USDA’s fines for animal welfare violationsToothless and ‘paltry’: Critics slam USDA’s fines for animal welfare violations
- The industry made famous in 'Tiger King' to be bannedThe industry made famous in 'Tiger King' to be banned
- Sunflowers make bees poop—a lot. Here’s why that’s good.Sunflowers make bees poop—a lot. Here’s why that’s good.
- Ants make ‘milk’? A new discovery took scientists by surpriseAnts make ‘milk’? A new discovery took scientists by surprise
- 3 takeaways from CITES, the world’s leading wildlife summit3 takeaways from CITES, the world’s leading wildlife summit
Environment
- With Southeast Asia under threat against climate change, everyone can pitch in to help
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With Southeast Asia under threat against climate change, everyone can pitch in to help - Building back better for southern Africa’s working women
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Building back better for southern Africa’s working women - A rogue barrier threatens wildlife on Arizona borderA rogue barrier threatens wildlife on Arizona border
- 2-million-year-old DNA reveals a lost Arctic world2-million-year-old DNA reveals a lost Arctic world
- Why deforestation matters—and what we can do to stop it, Video StoryWhy deforestation matters—and what we can do to stop it
- Europe’s water crisis is much worse than we thoughtEurope’s water crisis is much worse than we thought
- When does winter start? Here’s why each season begins twice.When does winter start? Here’s why each season begins twice.
- How your favorite plant-based milk impacts the planetHow your favorite plant-based milk impacts the planet
- See industrial relics reimagined as amusement parksSee industrial relics reimagined as amusement parks
History & Culture
- Why Lunar New Year prompts the world’s largest annual migrationWhy Lunar New Year prompts the world’s largest annual migration
- Thousands of Buddhist temples filled this sacred skylineThousands of Buddhist temples filled this sacred skyline
- How did this royal tomb become an ancient wonder? Size and style.How did this royal tomb become an ancient wonder? Size and style.
- The story behind Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl HarborThe story behind Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor
- The Great Smog of London woke the world to the dangers of coalThe Great Smog of London woke the world to the dangers of coal
- At a temple in China, a Kung Fu master keeps the past aliveAt a temple in China, a Kung Fu master keeps the past alive
- Christianity struggled to grow—until this skeptic became a believerChristianity struggled to grow—until this skeptic became a believer
- It took a village to build Europe’s Gothic cathedralsIt took a village to build Europe’s Gothic cathedrals
- Why Iran’s flag is at the center of controversy at the World CupWhy Iran’s flag is at the center of controversy at the World Cup
- How an ancient revolt sparked the Festival of LightsHow an ancient revolt sparked the Festival of Lights
- The legend of the ‘demon cat’ that roams the U.S. CapitolThe legend of the ‘demon cat’ that roams the U.S. Capitol
Science
- Are cures for the world’s deadliest diseases hiding in our sewers?Are cures for the world’s deadliest diseases hiding in our sewers?
- ‘Snakes’ on the moon? They could join our lunar mission.‘Snakes’ on the moon? They could join our lunar mission.
- James Cameron on the real science of Avatar: The Way of WaterJames Cameron on the real science of Avatar: The Way of Water
- ‘Alien’ minerals never found on Earth identified in meteorite‘Alien’ minerals never found on Earth identified in meteorite
- When should you eat? It’s just as important as what you eat.When should you eat? It’s just as important as what you eat.
- A breakthrough in nuclear fusion—here's what it meansA breakthrough in nuclear fusion—here's what it means
- Why the FDA may ease blood donor rules on gay, bisexual menWhy the FDA may ease blood donor rules on gay, bisexual men
- What happens if the flu and RSV fuse into a single virus?What happens if the flu and RSV fuse into a single virus?
- The world’s oldest map of the night sky was amazingly accurateThe world’s oldest map of the night sky was amazingly accurate
- Is it possible to cure hot flashes? We may be getting closer.Is it possible to cure hot flashes? We may be getting closer.
Travel
- Here’s where to see ‘the way of water’ in real lifeHere’s where to see ‘the way of water’ in real life
- Stay overnight at this lighthouse—a thrilling 32 miles out to seaStay overnight at this lighthouse—a thrilling 32 miles out to sea
- The real winter soldiers behind the U.S.’s newest national monumentThe real winter soldiers behind the U.S.’s newest national monument
- See the beauty of Bhutan in a new cross-country trailSee the beauty of Bhutan in a new cross-country trail
- This new trail is revealing the wonders of Armenia to the worldThis new trail is revealing the wonders of Armenia to the world
- Winter is coming. These trips help you embrace it—or escape it.Winter is coming. These trips help you embrace it—or escape it.
- Key Largo is the pristine paradise where you wanna goKey Largo is the pristine paradise where you wanna go
- How Nessie and the Yeti birthed a global cryptid-chasing industryHow Nessie and the Yeti birthed a global cryptid-chasing industry
- The instruments that shape the soundtrack of Abu Dhabi, Video Story
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The instruments that shape the soundtrack of Abu Dhabi - This stunning national park is set in a dormant volcanoThis stunning national park is set in a dormant volcano