State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Climate203

  • Has Global Warming Stalled? How Long Will It Last?

    Has Global Warming Stalled? How Long Will It Last?

    Climate Scientist Lisa Goddard talks about what may be behind the recent slowdown in global warming, and some of the nuances of predicting just how the climate will change.

  • Con Ed Agrees to Climate Change Plan

    Con Ed Agrees to Climate Change Plan

    In a groundbreaking agreement, Consolidated Edison, one of New York’s major utility companies, will incorporate plans to protect the power system from the effects of climate change as part of a new multi-year rate plan.

  • Science and Solutions for Sustainable Development: 2013 Annual Report

    Science and Solutions for Sustainable Development: 2013 Annual Report

    The Earth Institute is grateful to its many partners for their important role in the effort to develop the science and solutions necessary for sustainable development. Please visit the interactive digital 2013 Annual Report to read more about how we are forging partnerships across disciplines and sectors to advance the global effort to guide our…

  • Global weirding?

    Global weirding?

    Mountains of snow line the street, And some days I envy a beard. Ask any shoveler you meet – The weather this winter is weird!

  • Crossroads Project Taps into a Deeper Connection to Climate

    Crossroads Project Taps into a Deeper Connection to Climate

    Climate science can come across as a little dry, so Robert Davies, a physicist at Utah State University, thought he’d spice it up with music and visual art, to penetrate deeper into his audiences’ consciousness. The result is The Crossroads Project, coming to Symphony Space Feb. 13.

  • Coastal Erosion and Adaptation to Climate Change

    Coastal Erosion and Adaptation to Climate Change

    Increasing understanding of the extent of coastal erosion and its interaction with other naturally existing geographical features such as mangrove vegetation is one of the areas of research that may help reduce vulnerability of small-island developing states to climate hazards.

  • Latest Environmental Performance Index Introduces New Indicators

    Latest Environmental Performance Index Introduces New Indicators

    Innovations in the 2014 EPI include a new wastewater treatment indicator; a new approach to climate change indicators; and two new satellite-derived indicators for air quality and forests.

  • Earth’s Climate History, Written in Dust

    Earth’s Climate History, Written in Dust

    Dust blowing onto the oceans can help algae grow and pull CO2 out of the atmosphere. It influences the radiative balance of the planet by reflecting sunlight away. Scientists want to know what role this plays in the coming and going of the ice ages, and how it affects our climate.

  • 2013 Ranks in Top 10 Warmest Years

    2013 Ranks in Top 10 Warmest Years

    Last year was one of the warmest on record, according to analyses of global temperature data by NASA and NOAA. Both federal agencies placed 2013 among the top 10 warmest years since records began in 1880, continuing a longer-term trend of global warming.

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.

  • Has Global Warming Stalled? How Long Will It Last?

    Has Global Warming Stalled? How Long Will It Last?

    Climate Scientist Lisa Goddard talks about what may be behind the recent slowdown in global warming, and some of the nuances of predicting just how the climate will change.

  • Con Ed Agrees to Climate Change Plan

    Con Ed Agrees to Climate Change Plan

    In a groundbreaking agreement, Consolidated Edison, one of New York’s major utility companies, will incorporate plans to protect the power system from the effects of climate change as part of a new multi-year rate plan.

  • Science and Solutions for Sustainable Development: 2013 Annual Report

    Science and Solutions for Sustainable Development: 2013 Annual Report

    The Earth Institute is grateful to its many partners for their important role in the effort to develop the science and solutions necessary for sustainable development. Please visit the interactive digital 2013 Annual Report to read more about how we are forging partnerships across disciplines and sectors to advance the global effort to guide our…

  • Global weirding?

    Global weirding?

    Mountains of snow line the street, And some days I envy a beard. Ask any shoveler you meet – The weather this winter is weird!

  • Crossroads Project Taps into a Deeper Connection to Climate

    Crossroads Project Taps into a Deeper Connection to Climate

    Climate science can come across as a little dry, so Robert Davies, a physicist at Utah State University, thought he’d spice it up with music and visual art, to penetrate deeper into his audiences’ consciousness. The result is The Crossroads Project, coming to Symphony Space Feb. 13.

  • Coastal Erosion and Adaptation to Climate Change

    Coastal Erosion and Adaptation to Climate Change

    Increasing understanding of the extent of coastal erosion and its interaction with other naturally existing geographical features such as mangrove vegetation is one of the areas of research that may help reduce vulnerability of small-island developing states to climate hazards.

  • Latest Environmental Performance Index Introduces New Indicators

    Latest Environmental Performance Index Introduces New Indicators

    Innovations in the 2014 EPI include a new wastewater treatment indicator; a new approach to climate change indicators; and two new satellite-derived indicators for air quality and forests.

  • Earth’s Climate History, Written in Dust

    Earth’s Climate History, Written in Dust

    Dust blowing onto the oceans can help algae grow and pull CO2 out of the atmosphere. It influences the radiative balance of the planet by reflecting sunlight away. Scientists want to know what role this plays in the coming and going of the ice ages, and how it affects our climate.

  • 2013 Ranks in Top 10 Warmest Years

    2013 Ranks in Top 10 Warmest Years

    Last year was one of the warmest on record, according to analyses of global temperature data by NASA and NOAA. Both federal agencies placed 2013 among the top 10 warmest years since records began in 1880, continuing a longer-term trend of global warming.