State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Climate160

  • The Undermining of Climate Science

    The Undermining of Climate Science

    The election of Donald Trump has climate scientists concerned about its implications for U.S. environmental policies and worldwide efforts to curb the effects of climate change. Many fear that climate science under Trump could be strategically undermined in a variety of ways.

  • Most of Greenland Ice Melted to Bedrock in Recent Geologic Past, Says Study

    Finding Suggests the Ice Sheet Is More Vulnerable Than Thought

  • The ‘Bird’ Has Flown!

    The ‘Bird’ Has Flown!

    The ‘bird’ has flown! Voices are raised in celebratory cheers from the southernmost continent to across the U.S. Our first ALAMO float is deployed! Now we can begin to answer some of the big questions on this mysterious ice/ocean interface.

  • When Permafrost Melts, What Happens to All That Stored Carbon?

    When Permafrost Melts, What Happens to All That Stored Carbon?

    A new study documents evidence of a massive release of carbon from Siberian permafrost as temperatures rose at the end of the last ice age.

  • Antarctica Has a New Explorer in the Water Near a Key Ice Shelf

    Antarctica Has a New Explorer in the Water Near a Key Ice Shelf

    The first of six ALAMO floats parachuted into the Ross Sea off Antarctica to begin profiling the water in a check for areas where warmer than normal water could put the Ross Ice Shelf at risk.

  • AGU 2016: Key Events From the Earth Institute

    AGU 2016: Key Events From the Earth Institute

    Scientists at Columbia University’s Earth Institute will present important findings at this year’s meeting of the American Geophysical Union, the world’s largest gathering of earth and space scientists.

  • Earth Observation Science, Public Policymaking, and the Trump Administration

    Earth Observation Science, Public Policymaking, and the Trump Administration

    We do not know enough about our planet and the impact of human technology on its basic systems. It is beyond idiotic to think we can grow our population and consumption this much, this quickly, and have no impact. But it is also foolish to overstate what we know and ask policymakers to invest trillions…

  • ‘Ghost Ice Shelves’ and the Third Antarctic Ice Sheet

    ‘Ghost Ice Shelves’ and the Third Antarctic Ice Sheet

    The Antarctica Peninsula has been referred to as Antarctica’s third ice sheet. Following behind the East and West Antarctic ice sheet in size, one might be inclined to minimize its importance in the effects of melting Antarctic ice, on changes in sea level and other impacts, but that would be an imprudent mistake. The peninsula…

  • A Science-Art Collaboration

    A Science-Art Collaboration

    Artist Michelle Rogers is painting her latest work, an 8x10ft interpretation of Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society. She wants her discussions with scientists to help inform her work.

Colorful icons representing nature, sustainable living, and renewable energy with text "Earth Day 2026"

The first Earth Day in 1970 ignited a movement to stop polluting our planet. Today, our scientists and experts are tackling the most pressing challenges to achieve real-world impact. This Earth Day, join us in our commitment to realizing a just and sustainable future for our planet. Visit our Earth Day website for ideas, resources, and inspiration.

  • The Undermining of Climate Science

    The Undermining of Climate Science

    The election of Donald Trump has climate scientists concerned about its implications for U.S. environmental policies and worldwide efforts to curb the effects of climate change. Many fear that climate science under Trump could be strategically undermined in a variety of ways.

  • Most of Greenland Ice Melted to Bedrock in Recent Geologic Past, Says Study

    Finding Suggests the Ice Sheet Is More Vulnerable Than Thought

  • The ‘Bird’ Has Flown!

    The ‘Bird’ Has Flown!

    The ‘bird’ has flown! Voices are raised in celebratory cheers from the southernmost continent to across the U.S. Our first ALAMO float is deployed! Now we can begin to answer some of the big questions on this mysterious ice/ocean interface.

  • When Permafrost Melts, What Happens to All That Stored Carbon?

    When Permafrost Melts, What Happens to All That Stored Carbon?

    A new study documents evidence of a massive release of carbon from Siberian permafrost as temperatures rose at the end of the last ice age.

  • Antarctica Has a New Explorer in the Water Near a Key Ice Shelf

    Antarctica Has a New Explorer in the Water Near a Key Ice Shelf

    The first of six ALAMO floats parachuted into the Ross Sea off Antarctica to begin profiling the water in a check for areas where warmer than normal water could put the Ross Ice Shelf at risk.

  • AGU 2016: Key Events From the Earth Institute

    AGU 2016: Key Events From the Earth Institute

    Scientists at Columbia University’s Earth Institute will present important findings at this year’s meeting of the American Geophysical Union, the world’s largest gathering of earth and space scientists.

  • Earth Observation Science, Public Policymaking, and the Trump Administration

    Earth Observation Science, Public Policymaking, and the Trump Administration

    We do not know enough about our planet and the impact of human technology on its basic systems. It is beyond idiotic to think we can grow our population and consumption this much, this quickly, and have no impact. But it is also foolish to overstate what we know and ask policymakers to invest trillions…

  • ‘Ghost Ice Shelves’ and the Third Antarctic Ice Sheet

    ‘Ghost Ice Shelves’ and the Third Antarctic Ice Sheet

    The Antarctica Peninsula has been referred to as Antarctica’s third ice sheet. Following behind the East and West Antarctic ice sheet in size, one might be inclined to minimize its importance in the effects of melting Antarctic ice, on changes in sea level and other impacts, but that would be an imprudent mistake. The peninsula…

  • A Science-Art Collaboration

    A Science-Art Collaboration

    Artist Michelle Rogers is painting her latest work, an 8x10ft interpretation of Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society. She wants her discussions with scientists to help inform her work.