National Geographic to Commemorate Earth Day Anniversary with Special Celebrations

National Geographic is commemorating Earth Day's 47th anniversary on April 22, 2017, including celebrating one of the greatest scientists of all, Albert Einstein, at this year's March for Science on April 22. THE MARCH for Science is an unprecedented global gathering of scientists and Science advocates joining together to acknowledge the vital role Science plays in our lives and the need to encourage research that gives us insight into the world. At the event, which will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., National Geographic will be hosting a Genius-branded tent that will offer marchers free Wi-Fi and a place to recharge their phones. National Geographic Channel's new series Genius, a scripted, 10-part global event that premieres on April 25 and stars Geoffrey Rush as Albert Einstein, reveals how Albert became Einstein and explores his extraordinary achievements. As Einstein himself once said, "Science can only flourish in an atmosphere of free speech." While charging their phones and relaxing in the tent, marchers will be able to watch clips from the highly anticipated show. Watch the series trailer here.

Beyond the march, National Geographic is bringing Einstein back to life via a conversational chatbot on Facebook. Using natural text input, the chatbot will allow users to engage in free-flowing conversation with the show's title character one-on-one, discussing his early life, how he feels about THE MARCH for Science and the series' major plot points. Check out a demo video of the bot here or start chatting with Einstein here.

In addition, National Geographic is sponsoring and participating in this year's Earth Optimism Summit from April 21-23. The summit, led by Smithsonian Conservation Commons, convenes scientists to discuss and share solutions for preserving biodiversity and addressing climate change. The Summit is hosting thousands of thought leaders, researchers, artists, civic leaders, media and conservation-minded citizens this year. In addition to National Geographic Explorers and executives speaking on panels at the Summit, National Geographic will be hosting an interactive exhibit space featuring Earth Day-focused content and National Geographic Explorers in the "Innovation Commons," which will be open to the public.

Powerful visual storytelling is and always has been at the core of National Geographic's mission to further understanding of the world. For the first time ever, National Geographic is holding a flash sale from now until midnight on Earth Day: Prints by 22 National Geographic photographers that celebrate the rich diversity of our Earth will be available to buy as signed, 9.5"x 9.5" unframed prints, priced at $100 each. The sale, presented by National Geographic Creative, includes both classic and contemporary photography by photographers such as Cory Richards, Ami Vitale, David Guttenfelder and Paul Nicklen, and is available at www.NGCreativeFlashSale.com.

Finally, NAT GEO WILD is celebrating Earth Day with a special premiere of Mission Critical: Animals of the Year on Sunday, April 23, at 8/7c. This special is the latest installment of the network's inspiring monthly Mission Critical strand that highlights important work being done by today's wildlife warriors. Take a look at some of our favorite animals in 2017, and how their populations are faring around the world. Discover what challenges animals such as whales and apes are facing today, and what we can do to give them hope for the future.

National Geographic has focused on environmental and climate literacy for over a decade as a way to empower individuals with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about our planet. Please visit our Earth Day-focused digital content online at www.NationalGeographic.com and our climate change HUB at www.natgeo.com/climatechange or visit the National Geographic booth at the Earth Optimism Summit this Earth Day.

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