Environmental & Scientific Map | Early Warning on Human Impact | Large Wall Format (1071 × 746 mm) | Premium Finishes
A pioneering environmental map from an era before sustainability became mainstream, How Man Pollutes His World stands as one of the earliest visual explorations of humanity’s impact on the planet. Published by National Geographic in December 1970, it boldly illustrates how industrialisation, population growth, and resource use affect Earth’s fragile biosphere.
Decades ahead of today’s climate conversations, this map presents a clear and compelling message—human activity has consequences, and those consequences are global.
Why This Map Stands Out
Ahead of its time
One of the earliest major maps to visualise environmental impact on a global scale.
A powerful educational tool
Explains how pollution affects air, land, and water systems.
Visually compelling and direct
Uses graphics and mapping to clearly communicate complex environmental issues.
National Geographic authority
Combines scientific insight with accessible, engaging design.
A historic environmental statement piece
Still relevant today as awareness of global sustainability grows.
🗺️ What the Map Shows
- Global patterns of pollution and environmental degradation
- The impact of human activity on the biosphere
- Sources of pollution including industry, agriculture, and urbanisation
- Effects on air, water, and land systems
- Interactions between natural systems and human influence
- A global perspective on the early recognition of environmental stress
📐 Size & Format
1071 mm (W) × 746 mm (H)
Landscape orientation
A large, impactful format ideal for:
- Classrooms and science departments
- Offices and environmental organisations
- Home studies and workspaces
- Feature walls requiring a bold, meaningful centrepiece
✨ Premium Finishes
| Format |
Description |
| 📜 Paper (160 gsm)
|
Heavyweight matte-coated paper—ideal for framing. Preserves clarity and fine detail. |
| 🧼 Laminated (Encapsulated)
|
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate. Durable, wipe-clean, and suitable for frequent reference. |
| 🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails
|
Laminated map mounted with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord—ready to display. |
| 🖼️ Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
|
Printed with archival pigment inks. Rich texture enhances depth and presentation. |
| 🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails
|
Canvas paired with timber rails for a refined, gallery-style display. |
🔨 Please allow up to 10 working days for professionally mounted hang-railed finishes.
📊 Specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Title |
How Man Pollutes His World |
| Publisher |
National Geographic |
| Published |
1970 |
| Dimensions |
1071 mm × 746 mm |
| Orientation |
Landscape |
| Map Type |
Thematic / Environmental / Scientific |
| Focus |
Pollution, biosphere, human impact |
| Collections |
World, Historical |
| Materials |
160 gsm matte paper / 2 × 80-micron laminate / 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Printing |
Pigment-based, fade-resistant inks |
| Origin |
Printed in Australia |
🎯 Ideal For
- Students and educators of environmental science and geography
- Professionals in sustainability and environmental policy
- Collectors of early environmental and scientific maps
- Offices seeking a thought-provoking display piece
- Gift buyers looking for a historically significant map
🌍 A Warning Before Its Time
In 1970, this map made a bold statement:
- Human activity was already reshaping natural systems
- Pollution was becoming a global—not local—issue
- The balance of Earth’s ecosystems was under pressure
- Awareness was only just beginning
Today, its message feels even more relevant—
a reminder that understanding the problem is the first step toward solving it.
🤝 Our Commitment
-
Printed in Australia using archival-quality production
- Faithfully reproduced to preserve clarity and original detail
- Premium materials selected for durability and long-term display
- Each map is hand-checked before dispatch
- Carefully packaged for safe delivery
🚚 Delivery
-
Paper, Laminated, Canvas (rolled): Dispatch within 1–2 business days
-
Hang-Railed Maps: Made to order—allow up to 10 working days
-
Packaging: Securely rolled in protective tubing
See the moment environmental awareness began to take shape—
a map that brings human impact into sharp, unmistakable focus.
👉 Order now and own a landmark piece of environmental history.