Climate Archives - State of the Planet

partially constructed wind turbine

The Squeeze on Powering the Open Road

Transitioning to electric vehicles and renewable energy will require us to use limited, difficult-to-attain natural resources. Extracting those minerals has environmental consequences, and we don’t even know if the planetary supply can meet such a vast demand.

by Pearl Gray |March 24, 2023

“Urgency. Gravity. Hope.” World’s Top Climate Report Highlights Dire Need for Climate Action

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s assessment report issues catastrophic warning if immediate climate action is not taken by governments across the globe.

by |March 23, 2023
list of simple words

Simplifying the Language of the Climate Crisis

Climate and clean-energy communication is filled with numbing jargon and complexity. But clarity is needed to connect and empower. A simple writing tool might help.

by |March 23, 2023
Flooding in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Should We Stop Using the Term ‘Natural Disaster’?

The words we use to describe events matter. Would a different term elicit more substantial change?

by Ella Jacobs |March 14, 2023

Whole Food Systems: Jessica Fanzo Looks at How Food Connects With Everything Else

The Columbia Climate School’s newest faculty member strives to improve food systems to deliver healthy, equitable, and environmentally sustainable diets.

by Emily Halnon |March 9, 2023

New Website Tracks Inflation Reduction Act’s Climate Provisions

IRAtracker.org is a free resource that includes a searchable database of the bill’s climate change-related provisions and actions taken by federal agencies to implement those provisions.

Without Changes, Global Food Systems May Drive World Beyond Climate Targets, Says Study

Production of meat, dairy and rice are the leading sources of food-related emissions. Improved management practices and changes in diet could go a long way to addressing the issues.

by |March 6, 2023
rising water levels submerging the family's belongings

Flooding in Jakarta: A Call to Increase Climate Change Awareness

Despite being frequent victims of climate-driven disasters, Indonesians are largely unaware of climate change and its impacts. Education, media attention, and conversations could be key to shifting those perceptions.

by Sharah Yunihar Saputra |March 3, 2023
teacher and boy look at a globe in a classroom

Project Will Survey Organizations Active in Climate Communication and Education

If you’re part of an organization that works in climate communication and education, please take 20 minutes to complete the online questionnaire. Others can help by spreading the word.

by Oren Pizmony-Levy |February 28, 2023
A smiling girl gives the thumbs-up next to a microphone.

Climate and Society Alumna Suzie Hicks Teaches Climate Science to Kids of All Ages

Suzie Hicks, “The Climate Chick,” talks about how she is using television and film to inspire young learners to form healthy relationships with environmental science and help improve the world around them.

by |February 23, 2023