National Geographic has launched the National Geographic 33, a list honouring 33 'extraordinary' individuals who are making the world a better place, including a horticulturist from Kew.

From Hollywood heavyweights and fearless scientists to climate warriors and trailblazing entrepreneurs, National Geographic 33 highlights a wide range of innovators and icons whose work ranges from saving our winters to advocating for mental health and revolutionising high fashion to make it more sustainable.

Following an expansive nomination and vetting process, Carlos Magdalena from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew was selected as one of the National Geographic 33 by National Geographic's editors upon the recommendation of the magazine's staff, contributors and members of the National Geographic community.

Magdalena was selected for his efforts rescuing plants that are on the brink of extinction.

The horticulturalist said: "If you are lucky enough to be interested in the natural world, you would need 100 lifetimes to get bored of it, and being recognised by National Geographic alongside such incredible changemakers is a true honour.

"However, the real reward for me has always been working to save plants that could otherwise be lost forever.

"Here are RBG Kew we work to protect plants for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth, and I will never stop advocating for them."

The National Geographic 33 April 2025 cover (credit: National Geographic).

In homage to the brand's 33 founders—who, in 1888, saw an urgent need to deepen humanity's understanding of our world and protection of our planet—the list celebrates a diverse group of 33 changemakers actively addressing this need today.

The inaugural National Geographic 33 class works across a range of fields, from botany to film to space, and has collectively raised and distributed millions for climate action, social equity, scientific research, humanitarian aid and more, among their other achievements.

Magdalena's fellow honourees include actor, advocate and entrepreneur Jason Momoa; actress, singer and philanthropist Selena Gomez; outdoor adventurer Pattie Gonia; professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones; Freetown, Sierra Leone, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr; and many more.

"For more than 137 years, National Geographic has been driven by the belief that bold thinking and collective action can change the world," said Courteney Monroe, president, National Geographic Content.

"Since then and across all our platforms, National Geographic has believed in the power of visual storytelling to spark curiosity and inspire a deeper connection to our world.

"National Geographic 33 represents an exciting milestone for us, as it embodies the very essence of our brand—sharing the stories of extraordinary individuals whose work is making a meaningful impact in the hope of inspiring others to help shape a better future."

Nathan Lump, SVP and editor-in-chief of National Geographic, commented: "With the National Geographic 33, we're honouring a diverse group of changemakers, from all over the world and different walks of life, who aren't just recognising the urgent challenges of our time, they are taking action to address them.

"In shining a light on them and their contributions, we hope to elevate their work and showcase to a wide audience the positive impact they're making." 

To see the full list of National Geographic 33 honorees, visit NatGeo.com/NG33.

We want to provide Richmond with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.