State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Climate235

  • Evolutionary Psychology of Climate Change

    Evolutionary Psychology of Climate Change

    Why haven’t we rallied our collective power to mitigate climate change? Daniel Gilbert, a professor of psychology at Harvard University, argues that human brains evolved to respond to threats that have four features, ones that global warming lack.

  • East Africa Drought Is “Exceptional”

    East Africa Drought Is “Exceptional”

    Climate scientist Simon Mason talks about the drought and the role of climate information in disaster preparedness and response.

  • Spring 2012 Internship Positions Announcement

    This spring the Earth Institute, Columbia University is offering Columbia students opportunities to intern within various departments and research centers at the Earth Institute. All full-time Columbia and Barnard students are eligible to apply for internships. These internships are funded at a rate of $15/hr for 10 hours per week and up to a maximum…

  • Spring 2012 Undergraduate Research Assistant Positions

    The Earth Institute, Columbia University is pleased to announce 12 research assistant opportunities for undergraduate students during the spring 2012 semester. Undergraduates from Columbia and Barnard will be able to serve as research assistants on exciting research projects related to sustainable development and the environment, and engage with distinguished faculty and researchers at the cutting…

  • Finding the Right Graduate Program

    “It is important to be present, interested and passionate in a Master’s program.” Taking time off to travel and work helped Meg Sutton to realize that the M.A. Climate and Society program has what she was looking for in a graduate program.

  • A Changing Climate for Small Island States

    A Changing Climate for Small Island States

    Small island states are uniquely vulnerable to climate change because of their geography and socioeconomic characteristics. As the physical impacts of climate change interact with social and economic vulnerabilities, climate change poses a significant threat to the islands’ physical, social, and economic well-being.

  • A Chat With Shahid Naeem, CERC’s Director of Science

    A Chat With Shahid Naeem, CERC’s Director of Science

    In candid conversation, wrought with his usual humor and wit, Dr. Shahid Naeem, CERC’s Director of Science, discusses topics ranging from the critical role of life on Earth and trends in sustainability to Taylor Swift, his own personal “Science Hall of Fame” and being called a tree-hugger.

  • Climate Change On The Street

    Climate Change On The Street

    Two students in CERC’s Executive Education Program explore public perceptions of climate change and science communication.

  • Nature & Naturalists, an Ode to Adirondack Color

    Nature & Naturalists, an Ode to Adirondack Color

    There was a nice article in the NY Times on the Adirondack State Park whose title initially focused readers on how climate change could alter the park’s ecosystems. However, by the time you get to the end of the article, and luckily for us, you get to know Jerry Jenkins, one of the best naturalists…

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

  • Evolutionary Psychology of Climate Change

    Evolutionary Psychology of Climate Change

    Why haven’t we rallied our collective power to mitigate climate change? Daniel Gilbert, a professor of psychology at Harvard University, argues that human brains evolved to respond to threats that have four features, ones that global warming lack.

  • East Africa Drought Is “Exceptional”

    East Africa Drought Is “Exceptional”

    Climate scientist Simon Mason talks about the drought and the role of climate information in disaster preparedness and response.

  • Spring 2012 Internship Positions Announcement

    This spring the Earth Institute, Columbia University is offering Columbia students opportunities to intern within various departments and research centers at the Earth Institute. All full-time Columbia and Barnard students are eligible to apply for internships. These internships are funded at a rate of $15/hr for 10 hours per week and up to a maximum…

  • Spring 2012 Undergraduate Research Assistant Positions

    The Earth Institute, Columbia University is pleased to announce 12 research assistant opportunities for undergraduate students during the spring 2012 semester. Undergraduates from Columbia and Barnard will be able to serve as research assistants on exciting research projects related to sustainable development and the environment, and engage with distinguished faculty and researchers at the cutting…

  • Finding the Right Graduate Program

    “It is important to be present, interested and passionate in a Master’s program.” Taking time off to travel and work helped Meg Sutton to realize that the M.A. Climate and Society program has what she was looking for in a graduate program.

  • A Changing Climate for Small Island States

    A Changing Climate for Small Island States

    Small island states are uniquely vulnerable to climate change because of their geography and socioeconomic characteristics. As the physical impacts of climate change interact with social and economic vulnerabilities, climate change poses a significant threat to the islands’ physical, social, and economic well-being.

  • A Chat With Shahid Naeem, CERC’s Director of Science

    A Chat With Shahid Naeem, CERC’s Director of Science

    In candid conversation, wrought with his usual humor and wit, Dr. Shahid Naeem, CERC’s Director of Science, discusses topics ranging from the critical role of life on Earth and trends in sustainability to Taylor Swift, his own personal “Science Hall of Fame” and being called a tree-hugger.

  • Climate Change On The Street

    Climate Change On The Street

    Two students in CERC’s Executive Education Program explore public perceptions of climate change and science communication.

  • Nature & Naturalists, an Ode to Adirondack Color

    Nature & Naturalists, an Ode to Adirondack Color

    There was a nice article in the NY Times on the Adirondack State Park whose title initially focused readers on how climate change could alter the park’s ecosystems. However, by the time you get to the end of the article, and luckily for us, you get to know Jerry Jenkins, one of the best naturalists…