In April 1970, millions of people around the world mobilized to demand protection of the planet we call home. That historic day gave birth to the modern environmental movement known as Earth Day, and 50 years later it’s become the planet’s largest civic event, with more than a billion people participating each year. On this momentous occasion, people worldwide would normally step outside to help clean up our planet, plant trees and restore the beauty of Earth. But this is not a normal year; this year is different — very different. While most of the world is stuck indoors, National Geographic is bringing the natural world inside to inspire hope and awe for the planet.

“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”— Dr. Jane Goodall

At a time when people around our interconnected world need hope more than ever, National Geographic commemorates Earth Day with three global, emotionally evocative specials that inspire hope for our dynamic planet, love for its animal inhabitants and actions of stewardship for this generation and those to come.

Atlanta, GA – Mei Lun and Mei Huan, twin giant panda cubs, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, at Zoo Atlanta. (natgeophotoark.org.) (Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark)

Beginning at 18:00 CAT, simulcast on National Geographic and National Geographic Wild, the two-hour documentary special JANE GOODALL: THE HOPE takes viewers through chapters of Dr. Goodall’s journey, highlighting how she inspires future generations. Following this, peer behind the camera to see what it takes to capture Wildlife in their natural habitat with National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Beverly and Dereck Joubert in OKAVANGO: RIVER OF DREAMS – Divine Journeys. Join National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore on his quest to photograph some of the animals in the world in PHOTO ARK: RAREST CREATURES.

“The need to protect our planet has never been more urgent, and we’re using Earth Day 50th as an opportunity to inspire viewers through the wonders of our planet and its incredible species for viewers around the world,” said Courteney Monroe, president, National Geographic Global Television Networks. “With the Earth Day takeover across all of our networks and platforms, we are able to reach the largest audience possible to celebrate this momentous day and ensure that viewers fall in love with our planet and act to protect it.”

It doesn’t end there as National Geographic’s Earth Day event is set to also features the very best of natural-history programming, including recent feature documentaries such as Mystery Gorilla, Vertical Limit, Dark Heart of the Earth, and Fire & Ice, as well as fan favourites Hostile Planet, Wild, One Strange Rock and an array of Destination Wild natural history specials. Throughout the day, additional featurettes will showcase the National Geographic Explorers and photographers working around the world to protect and honour our planet.

This daylong Earth Day programming across National Geographic’s networks complements efforts by the company’s full portfolio. National Geographic magazine’s April issue is timed to Earth Day and explores broad issues affecting the planet today. It is the magazine’s first-ever flip issue, as two mini-magazines take an optimistic and a pessimistic vision of 2070. The issue can be found online at natgeo.com/earthday and on newsstands now.

A special “Save the Animals!” issue of National Geographic Kids magazine, on newsstands now, focuses on five previously endangered animals that have made a comeback and is packed with kid-friendly tips on how we can continue to save animals. An Earth Day Kids digital hub — natgeokids.com/EarthDay — offers family guides with resources and activities to raise awareness about and help Wildlife conservation. This fun site, available now, includes an exclusive “Which Comeback Animal Are You?” personality quiz.

“The life-long passion that conservationists such as Dr Jane Goodall, Joel Sartore and Beverley and Dereck Joubert have dedicated to their respective fields is nothing short of inspirational and remarkable. Through these special Earth Day airings, we hope that viewers across the continent will be equally motivated to become involved and play their part in conservation efforts close to their hearts” said Evert van der Veer, Vice President, Media Networks, The Walt Disney Company Africa.

For more info, please feel free to check here. 22 April, don’t forget to mark the date.