General Earth Institute Archives - State of the Planet

Climate School Announces Two New Appointments

Meet Melissa Lott and Catherine McKenna, two new members of the Columbia Climate School

by |November 30, 2023

Columbia Climate School Releases ‘Carbon Markets, Nature, Rights and Climate Justice’ Roundtable Report ahead of COP28

Lessons from early nature-based markets have shown significant risks if the needs of frontline actors are not considered in every step of design and implementation.

by Johanna Lovecchio |November 28, 2023

Regulating Technological Complexity

It is in the public interest to regulate new and emerging technologies to reduce the harm they create. Broad policies can be set by law, but the detailed rules must be left to experts in administrative agencies.

by |November 27, 2023

Five Ways to Host a More Sustainable Thanksgiving

Food systems researcher Jessica Fanzo offers tips for a more environmentally friendly holiday.

by Jessica Fanzo |November 20, 2023

Frontline Heroes: Predicting Climate Extremes in Africa

Advanced weather-forecasting tools and techniques, like those developed at Columbia Climate School’s International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), can help key stakeholders in Africa prepare for the worst.

by |November 14, 2023

The Fifth National Climate Assessment: Change Is Here, but There Is Hope

The Fifth National Climate Assessment was released today. The message: change is here, but immediate action can avert the worst impacts.

by |November 14, 2023

Learning How Trees Can Help Unlock Secrets of Our Climate Future

A new cataloging system will help better preserve, track and share thousands of tree ring samples from around the globe.

by Olivia Colton and Tyler Zorn |November 10, 2023
summer interns

Student Spotlight: How the Sustainable Development Program Helped Further My Career

Two sustainable-development students reflect on career-defining internships.

by |November 3, 2023
Left to right: Bennett Slibeck, Miles O’Brien, Elizabeth Case, and Daniel Babin at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory’s Open House. Photo: Francesco Fiondella

Communicating Awe: How Three Young Scientists Reach New Audiences

In a panel moderated by journalist Miles O’Brien, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory scientists discussed why creative scientific communication is important.

by |October 24, 2023

Highlights from 2023’s Open House at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

Through interactive exhibits, games, glacier goo, and a few volcanic eruptions, people of all ages learned about geology, earth science, and climate change.

by |October 19, 2023