State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

201533

  • World’s Oldest Unused Stone Tools Found (So They Say)

    World’s Oldest Unused Stone Tools Found (So They Say)

    Last week, it was announced that scientists had found the world’s oldest stone tools, in Kenya, dated at 3.3 million years. The precise dating of the tools was made possible by Chris Lepre and Dennis Kent of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, who used periodic reversals in earth’s magnetic field to nail the timing. Now, in a…

  • Meet the Students Studying Trans-Boundary Sustainability Issues in the Middle East

    Meet the Students Studying Trans-Boundary Sustainability Issues in the Middle East

    This summer, nine Columbia University students and nine students from Tel Aviv University will take part in a fieldwork course focused on environmental sustainability in the Middle East.

  • Global Warming’s ‘Missing’ Heat: It May Be in the Indian Ocean

    Global Warming’s ‘Missing’ Heat: It May Be in the Indian Ocean

    Since the late 1990s, global warming has stabilized, even as greenhouse gases have risen. That defies simple models that say the temperature should keep going up. A team of oceanographers now says they know where the missing heat has gone.

  • Was Hurricane Sandy the 100-Year Event?

    Was Hurricane Sandy the 100-Year Event?

    Recent research suggests that Sandy may have been much more likely than previously believed.

  • Scientists Discover World’s Oldest Stone Tools

    Finds Challenge Ideas about Who Were the First Toolmakers

  • Preserving the Origins of Environmental Law for a New Generation of Leaders

    Preserving the Origins of Environmental Law for a New Generation of Leaders

    In fall 2014, Columbia University, through the School of International and Public Affairs, the School of Continuing Education and the Earth Institute, offered a never-before-taught class on “The Origins of Environmental Law.” While many courses teach the fundamentals of environmental law, this course spoke to the people and politics behind the creation of the legislation.…

  • Lessons of the Move From Hybrids Back to SUVs

    This shift in consumer attitudes demonstrates that mass behaviors that lead to a sustainable and renewable economy will not come from a simple desire to protect the environment. Hybrids and electric cars are more expensive than traditional autos and as long as that is the case, they will have difficulty competing with them

  • Donor Communications and Research Summer-Fall Internship Opportunity

    The Office of Funding Initiatives is seeking an intern to provide research and communications support for the summer and fall 2015 terms. Tasks will include donor/prospect research, database maintenance, mailing support and communications and writing.

  • Distilling Art from the Figures of Science

    Distilling Art from the Figures of Science

    Any researcher can attest to the fact that a scientific figure is worth more than a thousand words. Rarely do we take a step back to consider the inherent artistry in the figures created to convey the science.

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More

  • World’s Oldest Unused Stone Tools Found (So They Say)

    World’s Oldest Unused Stone Tools Found (So They Say)

    Last week, it was announced that scientists had found the world’s oldest stone tools, in Kenya, dated at 3.3 million years. The precise dating of the tools was made possible by Chris Lepre and Dennis Kent of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, who used periodic reversals in earth’s magnetic field to nail the timing. Now, in a…

  • Meet the Students Studying Trans-Boundary Sustainability Issues in the Middle East

    Meet the Students Studying Trans-Boundary Sustainability Issues in the Middle East

    This summer, nine Columbia University students and nine students from Tel Aviv University will take part in a fieldwork course focused on environmental sustainability in the Middle East.

  • Global Warming’s ‘Missing’ Heat: It May Be in the Indian Ocean

    Global Warming’s ‘Missing’ Heat: It May Be in the Indian Ocean

    Since the late 1990s, global warming has stabilized, even as greenhouse gases have risen. That defies simple models that say the temperature should keep going up. A team of oceanographers now says they know where the missing heat has gone.

  • Was Hurricane Sandy the 100-Year Event?

    Was Hurricane Sandy the 100-Year Event?

    Recent research suggests that Sandy may have been much more likely than previously believed.

  • Scientists Discover World’s Oldest Stone Tools

    Finds Challenge Ideas about Who Were the First Toolmakers

  • Preserving the Origins of Environmental Law for a New Generation of Leaders

    Preserving the Origins of Environmental Law for a New Generation of Leaders

    In fall 2014, Columbia University, through the School of International and Public Affairs, the School of Continuing Education and the Earth Institute, offered a never-before-taught class on “The Origins of Environmental Law.” While many courses teach the fundamentals of environmental law, this course spoke to the people and politics behind the creation of the legislation.…

  • Lessons of the Move From Hybrids Back to SUVs

    This shift in consumer attitudes demonstrates that mass behaviors that lead to a sustainable and renewable economy will not come from a simple desire to protect the environment. Hybrids and electric cars are more expensive than traditional autos and as long as that is the case, they will have difficulty competing with them

  • Donor Communications and Research Summer-Fall Internship Opportunity

    The Office of Funding Initiatives is seeking an intern to provide research and communications support for the summer and fall 2015 terms. Tasks will include donor/prospect research, database maintenance, mailing support and communications and writing.

  • Distilling Art from the Figures of Science

    Distilling Art from the Figures of Science

    Any researcher can attest to the fact that a scientific figure is worth more than a thousand words. Rarely do we take a step back to consider the inherent artistry in the figures created to convey the science.