February 2025 Issue
Finding the other humans
EXPLORE
Latest Issues
Watch This
Trees are more than just beautiful fixtures of any city neighborhood. They make hot summer days more bearable by providing shade and naturally cooling air temperatures in the immediate surroundings. However, researchers have found a distinct and historical connection between tree canopy disparity in wealthy, mostly white neighborhoods and low-income, often minority communities. It goes back to a discriminatory housing practice called redlining. Under a New Deal program, maps of over 200 American cities were created to determine which residential areas were creditworthy to receive federal loans. The grading system heavily disadvantaged people of color, immigrants, and low-income families, making it hard to obtain the funds for mortgages and to build and maintain parks or other tree-covered urban spaces. More than 50 years after the practice was banned by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the sweltering effects continue to be felt in formerly redlined areas that still have fewer trees to keep neighborhoods cool.
Now Playing- Up Next
- Now Playing
- Now Playing
- Now Playing
- Now Playing
Subscribe to National Geographic
Go Further
Animals
- Indian scientists are saving a rare bird — by getting them to mate with dummiesIndian scientists are saving a rare bird — by getting them to mate with dummies
- These invasive pests are tormenting Florida’s manateesThese invasive pests are tormenting Florida’s manatees
- These animals evolved to be ‘ultrablack’—here’s whyThese animals evolved to be ‘ultrablack’—here’s why
- Why there’s reason to hope for Britain’s fastest declining mammalWhy there’s reason to hope for Britain’s fastest declining mammal
- These monkeys keep trying to mate with deer—but why?These monkeys keep trying to mate with deer—but why?
Environment
- World’s largest iceberg could collide with a wildlife havenWorld’s largest iceberg could collide with a wildlife haven
- Climate change made the L.A. wildfires 35 percent more likelyClimate change made the L.A. wildfires 35 percent more likely
- Uncovering the secrets of a covert U.S. nuclear base in GreenlandUncovering the secrets of a covert U.S. nuclear base in Greenland
- How did these 'miracle' homes survive L.A.'s wildfires?How did these 'miracle' homes survive L.A.'s wildfires?
- Canada's beloved outdoor ice rinks are melting awayCanada's beloved outdoor ice rinks are melting away
- What made these 1,300 strange circles at the bottom of the sea?What made these 1,300 strange circles at the bottom of the sea?
- 2024 might be one of the coldest years of the rest of your life2024 might be one of the coldest years of the rest of your life
- Here's what really caused L.A. fire hydrants to run out of waterHere's what really caused L.A. fire hydrants to run out of water
- Photos show apocalyptic scenes as wildfires rage across Los AngelesPhotos show apocalyptic scenes as wildfires rage across Los Angeles
- Circular currents: Stemming the plastic tide in the Arctic, Video Story
- Paid Content
Circular currents: Stemming the plastic tide in the Arctic
History & Culture
- How the U.S. began celebrating Black History MonthHow the U.S. began celebrating Black History Month
- We have Queen Victoria to thank for these modern world traditionsWe have Queen Victoria to thank for these modern world traditions
- What we know about gender roles from ‘woman warrior’ gravesWhat we know about gender roles from ‘woman warrior’ graves
- Rock art in Venezuela may be the sign of a lost ancient cultureRock art in Venezuela may be the sign of a lost ancient culture
- Step inside the nuclear-powered city the U.S. hid inside a glacierStep inside the nuclear-powered city the U.S. hid inside a glacier
- Uncovering the secrets of a covert U.S. nuclear base in GreenlandUncovering the secrets of a covert U.S. nuclear base in Greenland
Science
- How to see the rare planetary alignment in FebruaryHow to see the rare planetary alignment in February
- What we know about gender roles from ‘woman warrior’ gravesWhat we know about gender roles from ‘woman warrior’ graves
- Tuberculosis is rising in the U.S. again. How did we get here?Tuberculosis is rising in the U.S. again. How did we get here?
- Climate change made the L.A. wildfires 35 percent more likelyClimate change made the L.A. wildfires 35 percent more likely
- Kids are losing fine motor skills—and screens might be to blameKids are losing fine motor skills—and screens might be to blame
- What’s your parenting style? Take this quiz to find out.What’s your parenting style? Take this quiz to find out.
Travel
- How to plan a trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Paid Content
How to plan a trip to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks - A guide to Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro's lively beach neighborhoodA guide to Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro's lively beach neighborhood
- Explore the best of Colorado's hidden gems on this road tripExplore the best of Colorado's hidden gems on this road trip
- Czeched out of Prague? Try Ljubljana instead.
- Travel
- Here Not There
Czeched out of Prague? Try Ljubljana instead. - There's more to this English county than just StonehengeThere's more to this English county than just Stonehenge