A Window on the World

This week more than 2,500 National Geographic fans have shared what inspires them to care about the planet, through a post Tuesday morning on our official Facebook page.

More than 1000 of their responses are represented in the word cloud above. The size of each word reflects the amount of times it has appeared in people’s comments. Mouse over individual words for a closer look.

The Big Ideas

Several words jump right out as those used more than any others: “children” is one, “nature” is another, and close on their heels is simply “beauty.”

National Geographic Explorers and photographers feel much the same, and these values are expressed in their work. 2011 Emerging Explorer Juan Martinez works for the Children and Nature Network, helping promote healthier lifestyles by getting kids outside playing, exploring, and simply experiencing the great outdoors. And every year, National Geographic teams up with the U.S. National Park Service to host a BioBlitz, getting kids and others out in the wild to catalog the species in their area.  This year’s event is October 21-22 in Saguaro National Park in Arizona.

Meanwhile, Dino Martins is out every day revealing the incredible nature of the tiniest and most common creatures (see video), and Annie Griffiths not only captures beautiful photographs herself, but pulls together the best of others, giving you an opportunity to learn the secrets of taking the best photos yourself.

What’s Next?

You too can join these conversations and help shape the discussions of the future. In the comments below or on Facebook, add your suggestion for the next blank you’d like to see filled by your fellow National Geographic fans around the world. The possibilities are ________________.