What is State of the Planet?
State of the Planet is the news site of the Columbia Climate School, which was established by Columbia University to support groundbreaking research, deliver innovative education, and foster essential solutions from the community to the planetary scale. The Climate School brings together high-impact research centers and programs, and provides climate and sustainability education to develop leaders for the future of our planet.
As a communications tool of the Columbia Climate School, State of the Planet’s purpose is to report new research coming out of the School’s centers and programs, and to cover issues in earth science, environmental science, and sustainability while utilizing and highlighting Columbia University’s expertise.
State of the Planet tells the stories of our community of scientists, researchers, faculty, staff, students and alumni. We highlight Columbia University expertise in climate, geology, oceanography, ecology, sustainable development, global health, energy, food, water and much more. Our goal is to make science and sustainability understandable, accessible and inclusive.
Who writes for State of the Planet?
Many of our stories are written by our Communications Team, but Columbia University faculty, staff, students and alumni are invited to contribute. If you are a member of the Columbia community and you’d like to write for us, see our writing guidelines and contact us via this form. We publish stories in a variety of formats, including news articles, op-eds, photo essays, Q&As, data visualizations, interactives, infographics, videos, games and quizzes.
All stories on State of the Planet should have some connection to the Columbia Climate School, be it via the author’s affiliation or by incorporating Climate School research and expertise.
Note: We do not publish pieces whose sole intent is to promote other businesses or brands.
Who reads State of the Planet?
Since State of the Planet got its start in 2008 as a collection of blogs, our audience has grown tremendously, with millions of pageviews each year. And just as the Climate School’s research spans the entire planet, our readers come from all over the globe and from all perspectives and backgrounds. We are excited to continue serving our current readers and engaging new audiences.
Have a media inquiry? Interested in speaking with our experts?
Kevin Krajick, kkrajick@climate.columbia.edu, 917-361-7766
Caroline Adelman, cadelman@climate.columbia.edu, 917-370-1407
Francesco Fiondella, ffiondella@climate.columbia.edu, 646-321-2271
See our Expert Guides: Climate Experts | Disaster Experts
Have a science or sustainability question? Story suggestion?
Contact us via this form.
Looking for other Climate School contact information?