State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

General150

  • 2 Earth Institute Centers Join Forces

    The Earth Institute today announced that beginning Oct. 1, the Center for Global Health and Economic Development (CGHED) would migrate its staff and projects to the Earth Institute’s Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development.

  • Learn About Programs in Sustainability Management and Analytics

    Learn About Programs in Sustainability Management and Analytics

    We invite you to come and learn more about Master of Science in Sustainability Management and the Certification of Professional Achievement in Sustainability Analytics programs by joining us at these events. All events are open to the public and free of charge. The deadline to apply for both programs for Spring 2013 enrollment is November…

  • Faculty Profile: Ariane van Buren

    Faculty Profile: Ariane van Buren

    MS in Sustainability Management Professor Ariane van Buren is a newly appointed faculty member at Columbia University, with projected cross-appointments in Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, School of Continuing Education, and the Earth Institute. She held the first-ever position in shareholder accountability for corporate sustainability management, and then recruited trustees of the largest…

  • Rainfall and Human Vulnerability in the Context of Climate Change

    Rainfall and Human Vulnerability in the Context of Climate Change

    The impact of climate variability on predominantly rain-fed agrarian economies can be seen in Tanzania, where GDP is closely tied to variations in rainfall.

  • How a Pigeon Saved the Buffalo

    How a Pigeon Saved the Buffalo

    Scientists are close to restoring the extinct passenger pigeon and along with it her native habitat.

  • The Criminalization of Anti-Mining Social Protest in Peru

    The Criminalization of Anti-Mining Social Protest in Peru

    In Africa, Asia and Latin America, the development of the mining industry has often been accompanied by violence and community-led social protest. To halt these protests, young democratic institutions have, in various cases, turned to authoritarian dogmas. Researcher Dr. Triscritti illustrates how in Peru these practices are decreasing the chances of reaching durable and peaceful…

  • MPA Student Builds Basis for Policymaking

    MPA Student Builds Basis for Policymaking

    Prior to joining the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program (MPA-ESP), current student Max Litt was working for the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), an environmental non-profit founded by actress Bette Midler to revitalize underserved parks and public spaces. Max’s experience on the operational side of environmental policy motivated him to enroll in the…

  • Epic Wetness in Greater NYC, and What Broadleaf Trees Have to Say About It

    Epic Wetness in Greater NYC, and What Broadleaf Trees Have to Say About It

    2012 is turning out to be an exceptional year in the eastern US. Starting out with what was essentially a #YearWithoutaWinter, followed by a heat wave in March, a hot summer, Macoun and Cortland apples coming in 2-3 weeks early, and the continuation of a severe drought in the Southern US that expanded into the Midwest…

  • Identifying Teaching and Training Tools on Peacebuilding, Fragile States and Natural Resource Management

    Identifying Teaching and Training Tools on Peacebuilding, Fragile States and Natural Resource Management

    The Earth Institute at Columbia University hosted a two-day workshop that brought together practitioners, trainers, and academics to explore innovative approaches to teaching and training on natural resources management in fragile states and peacebuilding contexts. The workshop concluded with a clear statement: current academic and training programs do not provide a coherent methodology for students…

Collage of Turkiye beach scene and Columbia University Campus with text: UN Climate Change Conference COP31, Antalya, Turkiye, Nov 9-20, 2026

COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More

  • 2 Earth Institute Centers Join Forces

    The Earth Institute today announced that beginning Oct. 1, the Center for Global Health and Economic Development (CGHED) would migrate its staff and projects to the Earth Institute’s Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development.

  • Learn About Programs in Sustainability Management and Analytics

    Learn About Programs in Sustainability Management and Analytics

    We invite you to come and learn more about Master of Science in Sustainability Management and the Certification of Professional Achievement in Sustainability Analytics programs by joining us at these events. All events are open to the public and free of charge. The deadline to apply for both programs for Spring 2013 enrollment is November…

  • Faculty Profile: Ariane van Buren

    Faculty Profile: Ariane van Buren

    MS in Sustainability Management Professor Ariane van Buren is a newly appointed faculty member at Columbia University, with projected cross-appointments in Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, School of Continuing Education, and the Earth Institute. She held the first-ever position in shareholder accountability for corporate sustainability management, and then recruited trustees of the largest…

  • Rainfall and Human Vulnerability in the Context of Climate Change

    Rainfall and Human Vulnerability in the Context of Climate Change

    The impact of climate variability on predominantly rain-fed agrarian economies can be seen in Tanzania, where GDP is closely tied to variations in rainfall.

  • How a Pigeon Saved the Buffalo

    How a Pigeon Saved the Buffalo

    Scientists are close to restoring the extinct passenger pigeon and along with it her native habitat.

  • The Criminalization of Anti-Mining Social Protest in Peru

    The Criminalization of Anti-Mining Social Protest in Peru

    In Africa, Asia and Latin America, the development of the mining industry has often been accompanied by violence and community-led social protest. To halt these protests, young democratic institutions have, in various cases, turned to authoritarian dogmas. Researcher Dr. Triscritti illustrates how in Peru these practices are decreasing the chances of reaching durable and peaceful…

  • MPA Student Builds Basis for Policymaking

    MPA Student Builds Basis for Policymaking

    Prior to joining the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program (MPA-ESP), current student Max Litt was working for the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), an environmental non-profit founded by actress Bette Midler to revitalize underserved parks and public spaces. Max’s experience on the operational side of environmental policy motivated him to enroll in the…

  • Epic Wetness in Greater NYC, and What Broadleaf Trees Have to Say About It

    Epic Wetness in Greater NYC, and What Broadleaf Trees Have to Say About It

    2012 is turning out to be an exceptional year in the eastern US. Starting out with what was essentially a #YearWithoutaWinter, followed by a heat wave in March, a hot summer, Macoun and Cortland apples coming in 2-3 weeks early, and the continuation of a severe drought in the Southern US that expanded into the Midwest…

  • Identifying Teaching and Training Tools on Peacebuilding, Fragile States and Natural Resource Management

    Identifying Teaching and Training Tools on Peacebuilding, Fragile States and Natural Resource Management

    The Earth Institute at Columbia University hosted a two-day workshop that brought together practitioners, trainers, and academics to explore innovative approaches to teaching and training on natural resources management in fragile states and peacebuilding contexts. The workshop concluded with a clear statement: current academic and training programs do not provide a coherent methodology for students…