State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Year: 201442

  • Student Profile: Andrew Freedman

    Student Profile: Andrew Freedman

    Andrew Freedman came to the Earth Institute in order to gain valuable skills for his current career as a climate journalist.  Freedman says, “I plan to work at the intersection of science and policy, either in a policymaking role or as a journalist covering sustainable development issues. I hope to contribute to solving some of…

  • Undergraduates Work as Consultants for Capstone Workshop

    Undergraduates Work as Consultants for Capstone Workshop

    This past December, seniors in the Capstone Workshop in Sustainable Development delivered their final presentations to fellow students and faculty at Columbia University. The workshop is a required course for students in the Sustainable Development major or special concentration.

  • Student Profile: Scott Mackenzie

    Student Profile: Scott Mackenzie

    As an undergraduate, Scott Mackenzie was always looking to discover the best way to advance and apply sustainability initiatives.  In his research he came across the Earth Institute’s web page and was drawn to the recorded lectures and photo essays. “The work here is very multi-disciplinary and driven by such passionate people, and that was…

  • Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Countries vary dramatically in their records of environmental responsibility. Some nations such as Switzerland and Norway are well known for their willingness to sacrifice for the future good, while countries such Iraq and South Africa lag far behind. There are certainly socio-economic reasons for these stark differences, but is it also possible that human psychology…

  • Student Profile: Jennifer Haller

    Student Profile: Jennifer Haller

    While studying as an undergraduate, Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy (M.P.A.-E.S.P.) student Jennifer Haller figured her degree in environmental science would be enough to prepare her for a career in implementing environmental change. However, upon entering the work force, she realized she wanted more preparation. Jennifer explains, “I quickly realized the…

  • Can Eco-Tourism Lead to an ‘Eco-Civilization’?

    Can Eco-Tourism Lead to an ‘Eco-Civilization’?

    Does blending a group of respected business professionals, academics, spiritual leaders, media, policy specialists and artists in a custom eco-tourism experience provide a pathway to developing a passionate and committed group of individuals?

  • Student Profile: Semee Yoon

    Student Profile: Semee Yoon

    It was by chance that Semee Yoon, a Columbia College junior studying economics, ended up working toward the undergraduate special concentration in sustainable development. Her first introduction to the field occurred while working as a translator for the Korean Federation of Environmental Movement. There she acquired exposure to sustainable development firsthand as she translated for…

  • Student Profile: Marta Vicarelli

    Student Profile: Marta Vicarelli

    When Marta Vicarelli first heard the term “sustainable development,” she was in high school. “At that time, environmental concerns were not a priority in the international agenda,” explains Marta, a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) program in sustainable development. The Ph.D. program, which started five years…

  • Student Profile: Nathan Chan

    Student Profile: Nathan Chan

    After graduating from college with a dual degree in earth and environmental engineering and English literature from the California Institute of Technology, Nathan Chan searched for a program where he could effectively apply his technical skills while gaining knowledge and experience about management and policy. He found he was looking for in Columbia’s Master of…

Columbia campus skyline with text Columbia Climate School Class Day 2024 - Congratulations Graduates

Congratulations to our Columbia Climate School MA in Climate & Society Class of 2024! Learn about our May 10 Class Day celebration. #ColumbiaClimate2024

  • Student Profile: Andrew Freedman

    Student Profile: Andrew Freedman

    Andrew Freedman came to the Earth Institute in order to gain valuable skills for his current career as a climate journalist.  Freedman says, “I plan to work at the intersection of science and policy, either in a policymaking role or as a journalist covering sustainable development issues. I hope to contribute to solving some of…

  • Undergraduates Work as Consultants for Capstone Workshop

    Undergraduates Work as Consultants for Capstone Workshop

    This past December, seniors in the Capstone Workshop in Sustainable Development delivered their final presentations to fellow students and faculty at Columbia University. The workshop is a required course for students in the Sustainable Development major or special concentration.

  • Student Profile: Scott Mackenzie

    Student Profile: Scott Mackenzie

    As an undergraduate, Scott Mackenzie was always looking to discover the best way to advance and apply sustainability initiatives.  In his research he came across the Earth Institute’s web page and was drawn to the recorded lectures and photo essays. “The work here is very multi-disciplinary and driven by such passionate people, and that was…

  • Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Countries vary dramatically in their records of environmental responsibility. Some nations such as Switzerland and Norway are well known for their willingness to sacrifice for the future good, while countries such Iraq and South Africa lag far behind. There are certainly socio-economic reasons for these stark differences, but is it also possible that human psychology…

  • Student Profile: Jennifer Haller

    Student Profile: Jennifer Haller

    While studying as an undergraduate, Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy (M.P.A.-E.S.P.) student Jennifer Haller figured her degree in environmental science would be enough to prepare her for a career in implementing environmental change. However, upon entering the work force, she realized she wanted more preparation. Jennifer explains, “I quickly realized the…

  • Can Eco-Tourism Lead to an ‘Eco-Civilization’?

    Can Eco-Tourism Lead to an ‘Eco-Civilization’?

    Does blending a group of respected business professionals, academics, spiritual leaders, media, policy specialists and artists in a custom eco-tourism experience provide a pathway to developing a passionate and committed group of individuals?

  • Student Profile: Semee Yoon

    Student Profile: Semee Yoon

    It was by chance that Semee Yoon, a Columbia College junior studying economics, ended up working toward the undergraduate special concentration in sustainable development. Her first introduction to the field occurred while working as a translator for the Korean Federation of Environmental Movement. There she acquired exposure to sustainable development firsthand as she translated for…

  • Student Profile: Marta Vicarelli

    Student Profile: Marta Vicarelli

    When Marta Vicarelli first heard the term “sustainable development,” she was in high school. “At that time, environmental concerns were not a priority in the international agenda,” explains Marta, a fourth year Ph.D. candidate in Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) program in sustainable development. The Ph.D. program, which started five years…

  • Student Profile: Nathan Chan

    Student Profile: Nathan Chan

    After graduating from college with a dual degree in earth and environmental engineering and English literature from the California Institute of Technology, Nathan Chan searched for a program where he could effectively apply his technical skills while gaining knowledge and experience about management and policy. He found he was looking for in Columbia’s Master of…