As 2024 draws to a close, National Geographic is concluding the year with its annual “Pictures of the Year” edition, showcasing some of the most stunning and culturally significant images captured by photographers worldwide.

“The ‘Pictures of the Year’ feature is one of my favorite annual highlights,” said National Geographic Editor-in-Chief Nathan Lump in an interview with YSL News. “It goes beyond just displaying impressive images; it embodies National Geographic’s core essence: curiosity, exploration, and a dedication to showcasing the beauty and intricacy of our planet.”

This Tuesday, the magazine unveiled its top picks which were selected from assignments given to photographers throughout 2024, marking the fifth annual retrospective. The final selection of 20 images was meticulously chosen from an impressive 2.3 million submissions, which is an increase of 300,000 from last year. Lump noted that a committed team at National Geographic thoroughly evaluated all entries with the aim of identifying impactful visuals that narrate interesting and significant stories to engage the audience’s curiosity.

“The chosen 20 photographs highlight photography’s unique ability to enlighten, challenge perceptions, and deepen our connection to the world,” Lump remarked.

This year’s collection is notable for its ability to act as both a reflection of reality and a vision for the future, according to Lump: “It showcases the world as it is while hinting at what it could become.”

Lump characterized the featured images as “striking” and “provocative,” explaining that they narrate tales of resilience and courage in the face of transformation, as well as innovation and adaptation amid challenges, highlighting the persistent significance of observation and documentation.

Lump hopes that this curated collection will deepen people’s understanding of the planet and encourage them to seek further knowledge.

<p”He expressed, ‘Whether it’s a penguin taking its first leap from a 50-foot cliff into the ocean, the breathtaking spectacle of a volcano erupting at night, or scientists exploring a cave in Africa, each image tells a significant story about our planet and its lessons For me, these visuals remind us of the astounding nature of our world and our responsibility to protect it.’

Discover: National Geographic’s ‘Pictures of the Year’ 2024

Here are selected remarkable images featured in National Geographic, captured by Rena Effendi, Peter Fisher, Bertie Gregory, Matthieu Paley, and John Stanmeyer.

Explore the complete collection at NatGeo.com/Photos or in the December issue of National Geographic.