State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

General192

  • Some Antarctic Ice Is Forming From Bottom

    Imagery From Remote Mountains Turns Normal Theory on Head

  • The Rising Tide of Community Health Workers

    The Rising Tide of Community Health Workers

    In the past few weeks, there has been an steady rise in news about Community Health Workers (CHWs), domestically and abroad. The reason for enthusiasm is obvious: without replacing doctors and nurses, regular people can take an active role in the health of their community.

  • Biodiversity and Health Extinction by Infection: Biodiversity makes a difference.

    Biodiversity and Health Extinction by Infection: Biodiversity makes a difference.

    Throughout the past several decades, countless species have been infected by non-native deadly diseases and ultimately crashed in numbers. A survey of important case studies highlight the importance of mitigating the virulence of the planet’s pathogens.

  • Finishing up in Jamalganj

    Finishing up in Jamalganj

    Our time in Jamalganj is coming to a close.  We will miss the people here, all of whom have been incredibly helpful.  Moktar and Anowar, who constructed the concrete pillars; Aziz the caretaker, locally known as the chief of Jamalganj for his ability to get things done; his son, Shaheen, who will be making the…

  • Climate Record Suggests Drier Times for Pacific Northwest

    Climate Record Suggests Drier Times for Pacific Northwest

    We may think of the Pacific Northwest as rain-drenched, but new research led by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh shows that the region could be in for longer dry seasons, and is unlikely to see a period as wet as the 20th century any time soon. The work, based on a 6,000-year climate record…

  • Up (roofs) and Down (wells)

    Up (roofs) and Down (wells)

    Today went a lot better than yesterday.  Just as well that I forgot my camera so that there are fewer pictures to document it. We said goodbye to Nano, Humayun and Ellie as they went back to Dhaka.  Their extra hands helped a lot.  And Ellie was a big attraction for all the kids.  Adults,…

  • Giant Jellyfish Swarms – Are Humans the Cause?

    Giant Jellyfish Swarms – Are Humans the Cause?

    Many scientists believe that jellyfish, particularly jellyfish swarms or blooms, are on the increase worldwide, turning up in regions where they never existed before. Research shows shows that many human activities are strongly correlated to jellyfish blooms.

  • A Natural Wonder Rediscovered

    A Natural Wonder Rediscovered

    Scientists using underwater sensors to explore Lake Rotomahana in New Zealand have uncovered remnants of the “Pink Terraces,” once considered the eighth natural wonder of the world. Lamont-Doherty scientist Vicki Ferrini was working with colleagues from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and GNS Science of New Zealand at the site, near Rotorua, to map the…

  • Delays and progress

    Delays and progress

    The days have been so long and jam-packed days that none of us can believe it’s only been two full days here. The wells and preparations have taken longer than expected, but we are finally seeing progress.

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

  • Some Antarctic Ice Is Forming From Bottom

    Imagery From Remote Mountains Turns Normal Theory on Head

  • The Rising Tide of Community Health Workers

    The Rising Tide of Community Health Workers

    In the past few weeks, there has been an steady rise in news about Community Health Workers (CHWs), domestically and abroad. The reason for enthusiasm is obvious: without replacing doctors and nurses, regular people can take an active role in the health of their community.

  • Biodiversity and Health Extinction by Infection: Biodiversity makes a difference.

    Biodiversity and Health Extinction by Infection: Biodiversity makes a difference.

    Throughout the past several decades, countless species have been infected by non-native deadly diseases and ultimately crashed in numbers. A survey of important case studies highlight the importance of mitigating the virulence of the planet’s pathogens.

  • Finishing up in Jamalganj

    Finishing up in Jamalganj

    Our time in Jamalganj is coming to a close.  We will miss the people here, all of whom have been incredibly helpful.  Moktar and Anowar, who constructed the concrete pillars; Aziz the caretaker, locally known as the chief of Jamalganj for his ability to get things done; his son, Shaheen, who will be making the…

  • Climate Record Suggests Drier Times for Pacific Northwest

    Climate Record Suggests Drier Times for Pacific Northwest

    We may think of the Pacific Northwest as rain-drenched, but new research led by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh shows that the region could be in for longer dry seasons, and is unlikely to see a period as wet as the 20th century any time soon. The work, based on a 6,000-year climate record…

  • Up (roofs) and Down (wells)

    Up (roofs) and Down (wells)

    Today went a lot better than yesterday.  Just as well that I forgot my camera so that there are fewer pictures to document it. We said goodbye to Nano, Humayun and Ellie as they went back to Dhaka.  Their extra hands helped a lot.  And Ellie was a big attraction for all the kids.  Adults,…

  • Giant Jellyfish Swarms – Are Humans the Cause?

    Giant Jellyfish Swarms – Are Humans the Cause?

    Many scientists believe that jellyfish, particularly jellyfish swarms or blooms, are on the increase worldwide, turning up in regions where they never existed before. Research shows shows that many human activities are strongly correlated to jellyfish blooms.

  • A Natural Wonder Rediscovered

    A Natural Wonder Rediscovered

    Scientists using underwater sensors to explore Lake Rotomahana in New Zealand have uncovered remnants of the “Pink Terraces,” once considered the eighth natural wonder of the world. Lamont-Doherty scientist Vicki Ferrini was working with colleagues from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and GNS Science of New Zealand at the site, near Rotorua, to map the…

  • Delays and progress

    Delays and progress

    The days have been so long and jam-packed days that none of us can believe it’s only been two full days here. The wells and preparations have taken longer than expected, but we are finally seeing progress.