News from the Columbia Climate School

Author: Francesco Fiondella7

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.

The Sahel Is Getting Wetter, But Will It Last?

New research gives a unifying explanation of the Sahel’s past, present and future climate patterns.
Where’s My Seasonal Tornado Forecast?

Tornadoes, derechos and other violent storms can kill hundreds each year and cause billions in damages. How well can we predict them? How will climate change influence their occurrence? Experts from around the country discussed these issues at a recent workshop.
IRI Names New Deputy Director

Haresh Bhojwani will coordinate IRI’s connections with development and humanitarian organizations so that its research can target the needs of those vulnerable to climate impacts, especially through the institution’s international collaborations.
Poor Ethiopian Farmers Receive ‘Unprecedented’ Insurance Payout

Thanks to a groundbreaking new program that relies on advanced satellite technology, a weather index insurance payout of unprecedented scale will benefit poor African farmers.
Improving the Water Outlook in the Himalayas

Andrew Robertson, a climate scientist at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, discusses his research on helping reservoir managers in northern India make better planning decisions by improving their ability to predict how climate change will influence water availability.
Food Security in the Face of Changing Climate

An interview with James Hansen, an agricultural scientist at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society who also has a prominent role in the world’s largest research program focused specifically on climate change and food security.
From Birmingham to Bamako: How Farmers Deal with Drought

A look at the tools and technologies farmers in Mali use to enhance their decision making in the face of droughts and other climate risks.
Climate Scientist to Lead International Research Institute for Climate and Society

Lisa Goddard, a leading expert on climate change and El Niño’s influence on climate has been appointed director of the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, part of Columbia University’s Earth Institute.
Photo Essay: In the Heart of Dryness

Explore the country of Niger in this visual essay while learning about the importance of seasonal forecasting to the Sahel, one of the poorest and most climate-vulnerable regions in the world.

The Sahel Is Getting Wetter, But Will It Last?

New research gives a unifying explanation of the Sahel’s past, present and future climate patterns.
Where’s My Seasonal Tornado Forecast?

Tornadoes, derechos and other violent storms can kill hundreds each year and cause billions in damages. How well can we predict them? How will climate change influence their occurrence? Experts from around the country discussed these issues at a recent workshop.
IRI Names New Deputy Director

Haresh Bhojwani will coordinate IRI’s connections with development and humanitarian organizations so that its research can target the needs of those vulnerable to climate impacts, especially through the institution’s international collaborations.
Poor Ethiopian Farmers Receive ‘Unprecedented’ Insurance Payout

Thanks to a groundbreaking new program that relies on advanced satellite technology, a weather index insurance payout of unprecedented scale will benefit poor African farmers.
Improving the Water Outlook in the Himalayas

Andrew Robertson, a climate scientist at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, discusses his research on helping reservoir managers in northern India make better planning decisions by improving their ability to predict how climate change will influence water availability.
Food Security in the Face of Changing Climate

An interview with James Hansen, an agricultural scientist at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society who also has a prominent role in the world’s largest research program focused specifically on climate change and food security.
From Birmingham to Bamako: How Farmers Deal with Drought

A look at the tools and technologies farmers in Mali use to enhance their decision making in the face of droughts and other climate risks.
Climate Scientist to Lead International Research Institute for Climate and Society

Lisa Goddard, a leading expert on climate change and El Niño’s influence on climate has been appointed director of the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, part of Columbia University’s Earth Institute.
Photo Essay: In the Heart of Dryness

Explore the country of Niger in this visual essay while learning about the importance of seasonal forecasting to the Sahel, one of the poorest and most climate-vulnerable regions in the world.