State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

General82

  • For a Wind-Powered City, Heat Pumps Are Key

    For a Wind-Powered City, Heat Pumps Are Key

    Replacing conventional building boilers with electric heat pumps in New York City buildings could substantially increase the viability of renewable energy use in the city, according to a recent study from researchers from the Earth Institute’s Sustainable Engineering Lab.

  • Our Fiscal Year Ends June 30: Donate Now to Help Us Finish Strong!

    Our Fiscal Year Ends June 30: Donate Now to Help Us Finish Strong!

    The end of our fiscal year is just one week away and we need your support more than ever. This year, the generosity of Earth Institute supporters allowed our award-winning scientists and researchers to pursue groundbreaking initiatives in the fields of earth and environmental sciences, ecology, engineering and architecture, law, medicine and public health, economics,…

  • MPA in Environmental Science and Policy Welcomes Class of 2015

    MPA in Environmental Science and Policy Welcomes Class of 2015

    The newest of class of students in the Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy program have arrived on the Columbia campus. Following their orientation on May 27, the students began their summer schedule full of science courses.

  • Making Progress on Deforestation

    Making Progress on Deforestation

    In 2005, Brazil was losing more forest each year than any other country. Today, Brazil has reduced deforestation in the Amazon by 70 percent. Seventeen countries across four continents have also shown progress in reducing tropical deforestation. But there is still a long way to go.

  • Study: Reforming the Port Authority and the MTA

    Study: Reforming the Port Authority and the MTA

    Earth Institute students took a hard look into financial and administrative problems plaguing the MTA and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and came up with suggestions for more sustainable financing and more efficient operations.

  • Dancing in the Darkness

    Dancing in the Darkness

      In deep darkness, cunning lights are softly luring prey, Drawing closer to the glow, only some will flee … Subtle bodies, clear as glass, with organs on display, Exquisite dances only certain piercing eyes can see.

  • A Quick Retreat from ‘Mountain Lion’ Savannah

    A Quick Retreat from ‘Mountain Lion’ Savannah

    On their fourth day on Mount Chirripo, Lamont’s Max Cunningham and Mike Kaplan explore an unusual valley and find the spot where a lion apparently killed someone.

  • Apply Now for Fall Curriculum Grading Assistant Posts

    The Sustainability Management program is seeking candidates for the following Curriculum & Grading Assistant (CGA) positions for fall 2014. Please see the attachment for specifics on each position, as qualifications and time commitments may differ. Applications are due by Tuesday, July 1st at 5:00pm.

  • Landslide Up Close

    Landslide Up Close

    On their third day on Mount Chirripo, Lamont geologists Max Cunningham and Mike Kaplan discover remnants of a mysterious landslide.

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

  • For a Wind-Powered City, Heat Pumps Are Key

    For a Wind-Powered City, Heat Pumps Are Key

    Replacing conventional building boilers with electric heat pumps in New York City buildings could substantially increase the viability of renewable energy use in the city, according to a recent study from researchers from the Earth Institute’s Sustainable Engineering Lab.

  • Our Fiscal Year Ends June 30: Donate Now to Help Us Finish Strong!

    Our Fiscal Year Ends June 30: Donate Now to Help Us Finish Strong!

    The end of our fiscal year is just one week away and we need your support more than ever. This year, the generosity of Earth Institute supporters allowed our award-winning scientists and researchers to pursue groundbreaking initiatives in the fields of earth and environmental sciences, ecology, engineering and architecture, law, medicine and public health, economics,…

  • MPA in Environmental Science and Policy Welcomes Class of 2015

    MPA in Environmental Science and Policy Welcomes Class of 2015

    The newest of class of students in the Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy program have arrived on the Columbia campus. Following their orientation on May 27, the students began their summer schedule full of science courses.

  • Making Progress on Deforestation

    Making Progress on Deforestation

    In 2005, Brazil was losing more forest each year than any other country. Today, Brazil has reduced deforestation in the Amazon by 70 percent. Seventeen countries across four continents have also shown progress in reducing tropical deforestation. But there is still a long way to go.

  • Study: Reforming the Port Authority and the MTA

    Study: Reforming the Port Authority and the MTA

    Earth Institute students took a hard look into financial and administrative problems plaguing the MTA and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and came up with suggestions for more sustainable financing and more efficient operations.

  • Dancing in the Darkness

    Dancing in the Darkness

      In deep darkness, cunning lights are softly luring prey, Drawing closer to the glow, only some will flee … Subtle bodies, clear as glass, with organs on display, Exquisite dances only certain piercing eyes can see.

  • A Quick Retreat from ‘Mountain Lion’ Savannah

    A Quick Retreat from ‘Mountain Lion’ Savannah

    On their fourth day on Mount Chirripo, Lamont’s Max Cunningham and Mike Kaplan explore an unusual valley and find the spot where a lion apparently killed someone.

  • Apply Now for Fall Curriculum Grading Assistant Posts

    The Sustainability Management program is seeking candidates for the following Curriculum & Grading Assistant (CGA) positions for fall 2014. Please see the attachment for specifics on each position, as qualifications and time commitments may differ. Applications are due by Tuesday, July 1st at 5:00pm.

  • Landslide Up Close

    Landslide Up Close

    On their third day on Mount Chirripo, Lamont geologists Max Cunningham and Mike Kaplan discover remnants of a mysterious landslide.