Ecology
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Join Us on May 30 to Celebrate Hudson River World Fish Migration Day
Hosted by scientists and educators at multiple locations along the lower Hudson River Estuary, this event celebrates the vital role played by estuaries in the life cycle of many ocean fish species.
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Can Coney Island’s Dunes Protect Against Another Sandy?
The Coney Island Creek dune planting project started in 2021, with the goal of increasing coastal resilience and giving community members hands-on experience protecting their environment.
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Exploring Connections Between Environment and Society
Aynsley Kretschmar, a soon-to-be graduate of the M.A. in Climate and Society program, reflects on the skills she’s gained from her time at Columbia, as well as what she’s most excited about for her future.
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Tree Rings Reveal Hurricane Impacts and Emerging Sea-Level Stress in Coastal Forests
New research suggests that trees largely recover from storms within two years, and that coastal trees may be stressed from sea-level rise.
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Where Conservation Meets Community: Lessons From South Africa
Columbia Climate School students tackled real-world conservation challenges in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions.
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How Can We Mend Our Living World?
An interdisciplinary panel discussed some of the complex issues facing our society as ecosystems collapse and relationships must be reevaluated.
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Ecuador’s High-Stakes Vote: Will the Galápagos Become a U.S. Navy Outpost?
Ecuadorians will vote whether or not to overturn the current constitution. If the referendum passes, it will likely dismantle the Rights of Nature, which is indirectly on the ballot, and also formally allow Ecuador to host foreign bases.
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What Really Happened on Easter Island? Ancient Sediments Rewrite the “Ecocide” Story
A new study challenges long-held narratives of societal “collapse,” instead showing that Rapanui communities adapted to profound climate stress with resilience and innovation.
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A New Study Indicates Forest Regeneration Provides Climate Benefits, but Won’t Offset Fossil Fuels
Effective climate policy must treat forest regeneration and emissions reductions as complementary strategies, not alternatives, according to a new paper.

Congratulations to our Columbia Climate School Class of 2026 and all of our 2026 Columbia University graduates! Learn more about our May 15 Climate School Class Day celebration. 💙 #Columbia2026 #ColumbiaClimate2026
