By Courtney Mattison
Six extraordinary individuals were honored for their leadership in exploration, science, environmental stewardship and education at the National Geographic Society’s 125th Anniversary Gala celebration last night in Washington, D.C. Held at the National Building Museum, this star-studded event celebrated the power of exploration to inspire curiosity, research, creativity and ultimately a deeper understanding of our role in the natural world. National Geographic Society CEO and Chairman John Fahey explained the evening’s theme, “A New Age of Exploration”:
Exploration for our founders in 1888 was driven by a desire for knowledge and adventure. Today we have the same goals, but our explorers — and those who support them — are driven by a deeper purpose. In this new age of exploration, they want to help navigate the increasingly complex relationship between humanity’s needs and the natural world that sustains us.…