National Geographichas its fair share of affecting,Watch Leverage Online enduring covers, like 1985's "Afghan Girl," arguably the publication's most famous image.

For its June 2018 cover and part of its "Planet or Plastic?" initiative, the magazine published a cover that's been widely shared on the internet and described as "dire" and "brilliant."

SEE ALSO: Arctic sea ice is loaded with plastic litter from cigarettes and paint

Created by Mexican artist Jorge Gamboa, the photo-illustration features a plastic bag partially submerged in the ocean, suggesting that the world's plastic pollution problem is "just the tip of the iceberg."

Mashable Light Speed Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories? Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

Gamboa had submitted the artwork, titled Iceberg Plástico, to Bolivia's Biennial of Poster in 2017, where it won first place in the political and social posters category.

Now gracing National Geographic, the artwork is set to become iconic.

Featured Video For You