State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Advice on How to Deal With Family Politics and COVID-19 Concerns This Thanksgiving

cooked turkey on table
Photo: Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Many families are gathering in person for Thanksgiving for the first time in two years, which, for many, is a welcome change from eating turkey and pie over a Zoom call. However, holidays are often fraught for families, and this year, the lingering COVID-19 pandemic and continuing political polarization could add to the potential conflict.

Columbia News asked Peter T. Coleman, professor of psychology and education at Teachers College and the author of “The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization,” for his advice on how to steer through the sometimes murky waters of family get-togethers. Read the Q&A here.

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

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