Celebrate Earth Month with Disney and Nat Geo: New Programs on Bees, Orangutans, and More
Disney and National Geographic Unite for Earth Month Initiative
Disney and National Geographic are set to celebrate Earth Month with a comprehensive global initiative named “Step Into Wonder.” This enterprise-wide campaign will feature themed programming, immersive experiences, and a commitment to fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
The initiative will highlight several significant premieres, including National Geographic’s Secrets of the Bees, which is currently streaming, and the Disneynature film Orangutan, debuting on Earth Day, April 22. Additionally, Disney plans to air themed programming across various U.S. networks, including the National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, ABC News, and Disney Channel.
The ABC News Weather, Climate & Science Unit will provide special content across shows such as Good Morning America and World News Tonight with David Muir, alongside 24/7 updates on ABC News Live and its digital platforms throughout Earth Month.
Local programming will also feature stories and community events across ABC Owned Television Stations’ eight markets. Viewers can expect original segments from On The Red Carpet at Disneyland and new episodes of Localish that explore themes from Secrets of the Bees.
The Disney Channel will share themed episodes from shows like Big City Greens and Phineas and Ferb, while Disney Jr. will present Nat Geo Kids interstitials before select episodes.
Courteney Monroe, president of National Geographic, emphasized the initiative’s commitment to exploration. “For 138 years, National Geographic has been guided by a spirit of exploration that opens hearts as much as it expands minds,” she said. “With ‘Step Into Wonder,’ we’re putting that spirit at the center of Disney’s Earth Month, creating a platform for stories that spark a love for our planet.”
Debra O’Connell, chairman of Disney Entertainment Television, remarked on the campaign’s focus on storytelling and global engagement. “The Walt Disney Company is proud to once again celebrate Earth Month with a campaign around powerful storytelling and immersive activations that inspire a deeper connection with the awe-inspiring planet we all call home.”
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund, with Disney supporting 25 organizations across 16 countries to protect 120,000 square miles of wildlife corridors. The initiative kicked off in March with the launch of Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers” program in collaboration with Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, encouraging youth involvement in community action.
More highlights from the initiative include:
The Wonder List: A digital hub and Kids YouTube series featuring prompts for family explorations, with themes such as Stars and Trees throughout April.
The Wonder List Event (April 17-23): An interactive experience at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, designed to inspire guests with photo opportunities and immersive art.
The Earth Month Collection on Disney+: Featuring acclaimed National Geographic content, including Ocean with David Attenborough and Cheetahs Up Close with Bertie Gregory.
Earth Moods Livestream Experience: An ambient livestream featuring curated content streaming 24/7 on Nat Geo’s YouTube channel.
“Step Into Wonder” Earth Month Social Series: A daily series showcasing personal moments of wonder from National Geographic and Disney talent.
YourShot Earth Month Challenge: Inviting photographers to capture the beauty of nature and share their images on social media by April 22.
Overall, the “Step Into Wonder” initiative reflects a concerted effort by Disney and National Geographic to encourage environmental awareness and community engagement during Earth Month.
