ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

National Geographic's Planet or Plastic? Campaign Features Iceberg-Bag Illustration

publication · 2026-05-04

National Geographic's latest cover, illustrated by Mexican artist Jorge Gamboa, depicts an iceberg transforming into a giant plastic shopping bag underwater. The image supports the magazine's Planet or Plastic? campaign against plastic pollution. A companion video summarizes the history of plastic, from early plant-based sources like tree rubber to modern industrial polymers derived from fossil fuels. The video concludes with tips for reducing plastic use, such as avoiding packaging and choosing alternative materials.

Key facts

  • National Geographic's latest cover features an iceberg that turns into a plastic bag underwater.
  • The cover was illustrated by Mexican artist Jorge Gamboa.
  • The cover supports the Planet or Plastic? campaign.
  • A companion video summarizes the history of plastic.
  • Early plastic sources were plant-based, like tree rubber.
  • Modern plastics are made from fossil fuels.
  • The video offers tips to reduce plastic use.
  • Tips include avoiding packaging and using alternative materials.

Entities

Artists

  • Jorge Gamboa

Institutions

  • National Geographic

Sources