State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

201153

  • EPA Under Attack

    EPA Under Attack

    On February 19th, the House approved spending legislation that, if also passed in the Senate, would mean major cuts to climate and environmental initiatives. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hit hard, with cuts targeting its general budget, and specifically addressing its ability to regulate mercury and other toxic pollutants, to set new health standards…

  • Climate Record Suggests Drier Times for Pacific Northwest

    Climate Record Suggests Drier Times for Pacific Northwest

    We may think of the Pacific Northwest as rain-drenched, but new research led by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh shows that the region could be in for longer dry seasons, and is unlikely to see a period as wet as the 20th century any time soon. The work, based on a 6,000-year climate record…

  • Up (roofs) and Down (wells)

    Up (roofs) and Down (wells)

    Today went a lot better than yesterday.  Just as well that I forgot my camera so that there are fewer pictures to document it. We said goodbye to Nano, Humayun and Ellie as they went back to Dhaka.  Their extra hands helped a lot.  And Ellie was a big attraction for all the kids.  Adults,…

  • Giant Jellyfish Swarms – Are Humans the Cause?

    Giant Jellyfish Swarms – Are Humans the Cause?

    Many scientists believe that jellyfish, particularly jellyfish swarms or blooms, are on the increase worldwide, turning up in regions where they never existed before. Research shows shows that many human activities are strongly correlated to jellyfish blooms.

  • Climate News Roundup: Week of 2/20

    Climate News Roundup: Week of 2/20

    Climate Change Affecting Owl Color in Finland, USA Today, Feb. 22 A longitudinal study of 28 years found that the brown variant of the Finnish tawny owl is surviving at a better rate than the grey owl. Milder winters with less snow cover allow the brown owls to better camouflage themselves from predators. Researchers from…

  • A Natural Wonder Rediscovered

    A Natural Wonder Rediscovered

    Scientists using underwater sensors to explore Lake Rotomahana in New Zealand have uncovered remnants of the “Pink Terraces,” once considered the eighth natural wonder of the world. Lamont-Doherty scientist Vicki Ferrini was working with colleagues from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and GNS Science of New Zealand at the site, near Rotorua, to map the…

  • Delays and progress

    Delays and progress

    The days have been so long and jam-packed days that none of us can believe it’s only been two full days here. The wells and preparations have taken longer than expected, but we are finally seeing progress.

  • Maori Values; Modern Solutions

    Maori Values; Modern Solutions

    New Zealand’s longest river is also its most polluted, but Maori tribesmen have help to offer that goes beyond technology.

  • On the Road to Jamalganj

    On the Road to Jamalganj

    After 11 hours on the road, we finally reached Jamalganj and the drill site. Unable to face the long daily drive to our planned rest house, we arranged to stay locally.

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • EPA Under Attack

    EPA Under Attack

    On February 19th, the House approved spending legislation that, if also passed in the Senate, would mean major cuts to climate and environmental initiatives. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hit hard, with cuts targeting its general budget, and specifically addressing its ability to regulate mercury and other toxic pollutants, to set new health standards…

  • Climate Record Suggests Drier Times for Pacific Northwest

    Climate Record Suggests Drier Times for Pacific Northwest

    We may think of the Pacific Northwest as rain-drenched, but new research led by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh shows that the region could be in for longer dry seasons, and is unlikely to see a period as wet as the 20th century any time soon. The work, based on a 6,000-year climate record…

  • Up (roofs) and Down (wells)

    Up (roofs) and Down (wells)

    Today went a lot better than yesterday.  Just as well that I forgot my camera so that there are fewer pictures to document it. We said goodbye to Nano, Humayun and Ellie as they went back to Dhaka.  Their extra hands helped a lot.  And Ellie was a big attraction for all the kids.  Adults,…

  • Giant Jellyfish Swarms – Are Humans the Cause?

    Giant Jellyfish Swarms – Are Humans the Cause?

    Many scientists believe that jellyfish, particularly jellyfish swarms or blooms, are on the increase worldwide, turning up in regions where they never existed before. Research shows shows that many human activities are strongly correlated to jellyfish blooms.

  • Climate News Roundup: Week of 2/20

    Climate News Roundup: Week of 2/20

    Climate Change Affecting Owl Color in Finland, USA Today, Feb. 22 A longitudinal study of 28 years found that the brown variant of the Finnish tawny owl is surviving at a better rate than the grey owl. Milder winters with less snow cover allow the brown owls to better camouflage themselves from predators. Researchers from…

  • A Natural Wonder Rediscovered

    A Natural Wonder Rediscovered

    Scientists using underwater sensors to explore Lake Rotomahana in New Zealand have uncovered remnants of the “Pink Terraces,” once considered the eighth natural wonder of the world. Lamont-Doherty scientist Vicki Ferrini was working with colleagues from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and GNS Science of New Zealand at the site, near Rotorua, to map the…

  • Delays and progress

    Delays and progress

    The days have been so long and jam-packed days that none of us can believe it’s only been two full days here. The wells and preparations have taken longer than expected, but we are finally seeing progress.

  • Maori Values; Modern Solutions

    Maori Values; Modern Solutions

    New Zealand’s longest river is also its most polluted, but Maori tribesmen have help to offer that goes beyond technology.

  • On the Road to Jamalganj

    On the Road to Jamalganj

    After 11 hours on the road, we finally reached Jamalganj and the drill site. Unable to face the long daily drive to our planned rest house, we arranged to stay locally.