State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

General45

  • Part-Time Summer Internship in the Undergraduate Program

    Part-Time Summer Internship in the Undergraduate Program

    The Earth Institute is seeking an intern to work with the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development for the month of August. This position is a unique opportunity to help support our cutting-edge educational program at Columbia University.

  • When People Must Make Way for Nature

    When People Must Make Way for Nature

    It is the black before dawn at the gate to the Kanha Tiger Reserve, in the highlands of central India. The still air carries a dank, penetrating chill. But it is hardly quiet. A buzzing line of tourists is forming at the ticket booth, peddlers are pouring steaming cups of tea.  Groups of green-uniformed rangers chat…

  • Why Renewable Energy Will Replace Fossil Fuels

    Why Renewable Energy Will Replace Fossil Fuels

    Renewable energy will displace fossil fuels when (not if) it becomes as reliable, cheaper, and more convenient. The polls indicate that the latent market for renewables in already in place, with young Americans strongly supporting a transition away from fossil fuels.

  • Faculty Profile: Lisa Dale

    Faculty Profile: Lisa Dale

    Lisa Dale joins the Earth Institute this year as lecturer for the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development. This fall, Lisa is teaching Environmental Policy & Governance for Sustainable Development, which will examine policy frameworks at the national and international levels through a sustainability lens.

  • What’s in the Forecast and How Do We Know?

    What’s in the Forecast and How Do We Know?

    The Earth Institute’s International Research Institute for Climate and Society makes probabilistic forecasts for rainfall and temperature for the next six months. How does it do this?

  • Watch Video–Sea Level Rise: Causes, Impacts and Options for Solutions

    Watch Video–Sea Level Rise: Causes, Impacts and Options for Solutions

    On July 12, the Earth Institute will bring together experts from science, government and the private sector to discuss causes, implications and potential adaptation strategies for sea level rise.

  • The Importance of Immigration to American Independence

    The Importance of Immigration to American Independence

    America didn’t declare independence in 1776 to hide from the world, but to establish a free society. A positive, welcoming approach to immigration is a key part of our relationship with the global economy.

  • Fall 2017 Teaching Assistant Opportunities

    Fall 2017 Teaching Assistant Opportunities

    The Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development is currently accepting applications for Fall 2017 teaching assistant positions.

  • How Drones are Advancing Scientific Research

    How Drones are Advancing Scientific Research

    Where once scientists could only observe earth from above by using manned aircraft or satellites, today they are expanding, developing and refining their research in a variety of ways thanks to drones.

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More

  • Part-Time Summer Internship in the Undergraduate Program

    Part-Time Summer Internship in the Undergraduate Program

    The Earth Institute is seeking an intern to work with the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development for the month of August. This position is a unique opportunity to help support our cutting-edge educational program at Columbia University.

  • When People Must Make Way for Nature

    When People Must Make Way for Nature

    It is the black before dawn at the gate to the Kanha Tiger Reserve, in the highlands of central India. The still air carries a dank, penetrating chill. But it is hardly quiet. A buzzing line of tourists is forming at the ticket booth, peddlers are pouring steaming cups of tea.  Groups of green-uniformed rangers chat…

  • Why Renewable Energy Will Replace Fossil Fuels

    Why Renewable Energy Will Replace Fossil Fuels

    Renewable energy will displace fossil fuels when (not if) it becomes as reliable, cheaper, and more convenient. The polls indicate that the latent market for renewables in already in place, with young Americans strongly supporting a transition away from fossil fuels.

  • Faculty Profile: Lisa Dale

    Faculty Profile: Lisa Dale

    Lisa Dale joins the Earth Institute this year as lecturer for the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development. This fall, Lisa is teaching Environmental Policy & Governance for Sustainable Development, which will examine policy frameworks at the national and international levels through a sustainability lens.

  • What’s in the Forecast and How Do We Know?

    What’s in the Forecast and How Do We Know?

    The Earth Institute’s International Research Institute for Climate and Society makes probabilistic forecasts for rainfall and temperature for the next six months. How does it do this?

  • Watch Video–Sea Level Rise: Causes, Impacts and Options for Solutions

    Watch Video–Sea Level Rise: Causes, Impacts and Options for Solutions

    On July 12, the Earth Institute will bring together experts from science, government and the private sector to discuss causes, implications and potential adaptation strategies for sea level rise.

  • The Importance of Immigration to American Independence

    The Importance of Immigration to American Independence

    America didn’t declare independence in 1776 to hide from the world, but to establish a free society. A positive, welcoming approach to immigration is a key part of our relationship with the global economy.

  • Fall 2017 Teaching Assistant Opportunities

    Fall 2017 Teaching Assistant Opportunities

    The Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development is currently accepting applications for Fall 2017 teaching assistant positions.

  • How Drones are Advancing Scientific Research

    How Drones are Advancing Scientific Research

    Where once scientists could only observe earth from above by using manned aircraft or satellites, today they are expanding, developing and refining their research in a variety of ways thanks to drones.