News from the Columbia Climate School

Author: Francesco Fiondella10

Science communication occupies a lot of my brain space, even when I’m not in the office at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, where I oversee communications. I take lots of photos, too. Find out more about me at FrancescoFiondella.com.

Insuring Against Drought

Research economist Dan Osgood discusses index insurance and how it is helping some poor rural communities reduce hardships caused by drought in East Africa.
A Famine Foretold

Climate and food security expert Jim Hansen lays out the root causes of food insecurity in East Africa.
Remote Sensing Critical for Monitoring Drought

Remote sensing scientist Pietro Ceccato talks about how satellite information is being used to monitor conditions in East Africa.
Climate Underpinnings of East Africa Drought

Watch a video interview of climate scientist Brad Lyon on the conditions leading up to the ongoing drought in East Africa. He says there’s a chance of La Niña forming later in the year, which could have devastating consequences for a region already plagued by widespread famine.
Climate information and disasters: two interviews

Jan Egeland and Madeleen Helmer talk about the value of forecasts in disaster preparation.
Climate Information Crucial to Help Reduce Disaster Risk

Forecasts can play an invaluable role in helping humanitarian agencies and governments plan for and prevent disasters, according to a new report published by Earth Institute’s IRI and its international partners.
Climate Change Threatens Fragile Ecosystem in the Andes

A new audio slideshow about the páramo ecosystem in the Andes, at risk of becoming drier because of changing climate conditions
To Burn, or Not to Burn

A new report by the World Resources Institute showcases IRI’s efforts to get decision makers in Indonesia to change their fire policy, so that it was based on seasonal climate information.
Video: Climate and Public Health

Climate and public-health communities are learning to speak each other’s language to improve decision making. Watch our short video to learn more.

Insuring Against Drought

Research economist Dan Osgood discusses index insurance and how it is helping some poor rural communities reduce hardships caused by drought in East Africa.
A Famine Foretold

Climate and food security expert Jim Hansen lays out the root causes of food insecurity in East Africa.
Remote Sensing Critical for Monitoring Drought

Remote sensing scientist Pietro Ceccato talks about how satellite information is being used to monitor conditions in East Africa.
Climate Underpinnings of East Africa Drought

Watch a video interview of climate scientist Brad Lyon on the conditions leading up to the ongoing drought in East Africa. He says there’s a chance of La Niña forming later in the year, which could have devastating consequences for a region already plagued by widespread famine.
Climate information and disasters: two interviews

Jan Egeland and Madeleen Helmer talk about the value of forecasts in disaster preparation.
Climate Information Crucial to Help Reduce Disaster Risk

Forecasts can play an invaluable role in helping humanitarian agencies and governments plan for and prevent disasters, according to a new report published by Earth Institute’s IRI and its international partners.
Climate Change Threatens Fragile Ecosystem in the Andes

A new audio slideshow about the páramo ecosystem in the Andes, at risk of becoming drier because of changing climate conditions
To Burn, or Not to Burn

A new report by the World Resources Institute showcases IRI’s efforts to get decision makers in Indonesia to change their fire policy, so that it was based on seasonal climate information.
Video: Climate and Public Health

Climate and public-health communities are learning to speak each other’s language to improve decision making. Watch our short video to learn more.