State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Agriculture31

  • The Intensifying Debate Over Genetically Modified Foods

    The Intensifying Debate Over Genetically Modified Foods

    Genetically modified foods contain organisms that have had DNA from a non-related species transferred into their genes via biotechnology to imbue them with specific traits. The debate over whether or not they are safe is intensifying as more GM foods show up in our supermarkets, and the movement to label GM food grows.

  • Climate Forecasts: A Vital Tool for Policymakers

    Climate Forecasts: A Vital Tool for Policymakers

    Focusing on near-term probabilities can also aid in decreasing vulnerability to future climate uncertainties.

  • The Significance of Stunting

    The Significance of Stunting

    It is estimated that 165 million children around the world are stunted. That is to say 165 million children are stunted in their growth, development and future potential.

  • Making the First 1,000 Days Count: EI Partners with TABLE FOR TWO

    Making the First 1,000 Days Count: EI Partners with TABLE FOR TWO

    With generous support from TABLE FOR TWO, Earth Institute scientists have begun a research study in the Millennium Villages Project (MVP) in Ruhiira, Uganda, to evaluate different methods for delivering nutrition to young children in rural, low-income settings.

  • Farmers in Senegal Use Forecasts to Combat Climate Risks

    Farmers in Senegal Use Forecasts to Combat Climate Risks

    Recent trainings in Senegal have improved trust between farmers and researchers, leading to increased use of climate forecasts and other information.

  • Climate and Conquest: How Did Genghis Khan Rise?

    Climate and Conquest: How Did Genghis Khan Rise?

    Eight hundred years ago, relatively small armies of mounted warriors suddenly exploded outward from the cold, arid high-elevation grasslands of Mongolia and reshaped world geography, culture and history in ways that still resound today. How did they do it?

  • The Sahel Is Getting Wetter, But Will It Last?

    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.

  • Talking Data-Driven Development with Haiti’s Prime Minister

    Talking Data-Driven Development with Haiti’s Prime Minister

    On April 22, 2013 the Earth Institute’s Haiti Research and Policy Program at the Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development welcomed Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe to the Spring 2013 Haiti Dialogue Series and the Columbia University World Leader’s Forum. The prime minister and Haitian diplomats met with Earth Institute senior researchers to discuss the strategies…

  • Students Share Findings from Global Research

    This April over fifty students shared the results of their respective research projects with the rest of the Columbia community as part of the 2013 Student Research Showcase. While all within the field of sustainable development, research topics ranged from climate change to community development and included work from across the world.

Composite banner with modern building at night and portrait of Dean Alexis Abramson that reads "Science for the Planet"

By studying thousands of buildings and analyzing their electricity use, Columbia Climate School Dean Alexis Abramson has been able to uncover ways to significantly cut energy consumption and emissions. Watch the Video: “Engineering a Cooler Future Through Smarter Buildings

  • The Intensifying Debate Over Genetically Modified Foods

    The Intensifying Debate Over Genetically Modified Foods

    Genetically modified foods contain organisms that have had DNA from a non-related species transferred into their genes via biotechnology to imbue them with specific traits. The debate over whether or not they are safe is intensifying as more GM foods show up in our supermarkets, and the movement to label GM food grows.

  • Climate Forecasts: A Vital Tool for Policymakers

    Climate Forecasts: A Vital Tool for Policymakers

    Focusing on near-term probabilities can also aid in decreasing vulnerability to future climate uncertainties.

  • The Significance of Stunting

    The Significance of Stunting

    It is estimated that 165 million children around the world are stunted. That is to say 165 million children are stunted in their growth, development and future potential.

  • Making the First 1,000 Days Count: EI Partners with TABLE FOR TWO

    Making the First 1,000 Days Count: EI Partners with TABLE FOR TWO

    With generous support from TABLE FOR TWO, Earth Institute scientists have begun a research study in the Millennium Villages Project (MVP) in Ruhiira, Uganda, to evaluate different methods for delivering nutrition to young children in rural, low-income settings.

  • Farmers in Senegal Use Forecasts to Combat Climate Risks

    Farmers in Senegal Use Forecasts to Combat Climate Risks

    Recent trainings in Senegal have improved trust between farmers and researchers, leading to increased use of climate forecasts and other information.

  • Climate and Conquest: How Did Genghis Khan Rise?

    Climate and Conquest: How Did Genghis Khan Rise?

    Eight hundred years ago, relatively small armies of mounted warriors suddenly exploded outward from the cold, arid high-elevation grasslands of Mongolia and reshaped world geography, culture and history in ways that still resound today. How did they do it?

  • The Sahel Is Getting Wetter, But Will It Last?

    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.

  • Talking Data-Driven Development with Haiti’s Prime Minister

    Talking Data-Driven Development with Haiti’s Prime Minister

    On April 22, 2013 the Earth Institute’s Haiti Research and Policy Program at the Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development welcomed Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe to the Spring 2013 Haiti Dialogue Series and the Columbia University World Leader’s Forum. The prime minister and Haitian diplomats met with Earth Institute senior researchers to discuss the strategies…

  • Students Share Findings from Global Research

    This April over fifty students shared the results of their respective research projects with the rest of the Columbia community as part of the 2013 Student Research Showcase. While all within the field of sustainable development, research topics ranged from climate change to community development and included work from across the world.