201545
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MPA Alum Focuses on Solar Energy
In her role as a New York State Solar Ombudsman for the City University of New York at Sustainable CUNY , Erica Helson (MPA-ESP ’14) is applying skills she learned in the program to further her career in advancing solar energy in the city of New York. Prior to joining the MPA in Environmental Science…
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Bonjour de Nouméa!
Scientists from research institutions around the world are participating in a research expedition aboard the R/V L ‘Atalante to study how microorganisms in the South Pacific Ocean influence the carbon cycle. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory graduate student Kyle Frischkorn is among them; this is the first in a series of posts in which Kyle shares what…
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Report Forecasts Worsening Climate Hazards for Region
A new report gives a worrisome picture of climate-related problems the New York region will likely face this century. Temperatures are projected to rise, extreme precipitation and heat waves will be more frequent, and sea level could rise as much as 6 feet.
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Mobile Health Tools Help Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV
Vertical transmission of HIV remains a significant challenge in resource-limited settings today. The number of children living with HIV currently exceeds 3 million, most of them living in Sub-Saharan Africa, with less than a tenth of them being reached with basic health services. This is particularly true in Kenya, where the estimated antiretroviral therapy (ART)…
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Warming Pushes Western U.S. Toward Driest Period in 1,000 Years
Study Warns of Unprecedented Risk of Drought in 21st Century
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Earth Institute Launches Student Sustainability Solutions Website
A new Earth Institute website – Student Sustainability Solutions – showcases more than 200 projects that students have completed for some of the most notable governmental and non-profit organizations in the world. The website is also a repository of analysis and innovation across nearly every major sustainability issue, including biodiversity, climate change, and environmental justice.
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Training Prepares Sustainability Students for LEED Exam
Some 50 Columbia students and alumni participated in a training on the LEED v4 accreditation exam, the newest version of the LEED green building program. Participants were students and graduates from across the Earth Institute’s education programs, who were interested in taking the Green Associate exam and adding LEED accreditation to their repertoire of professional…
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Alumna Finds Good Fit for Communication Skills
Kathy Zhang CC ’13, is a graduate of the undergraduate sustainable development major program. She’s applying her skills in communications and other areas now at the Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
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The Days of Greenwashing Are Over
“The days of greenwashing are over,” remarked Kevin Parker, CEO of Sustainable Insight Capital Management, during a panel discussion on sustainable finance. Parker was among five panelists who discussed the topic of sustainable finance and sustainable investing, including trends and major players, and what skills are needed for jobs in these areas.

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
