Health
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Microplastics Are Chemically Active, and Could Cause Biological Harm
A new study found that when microplastics contact water, their surfaces can become chemically reactive. This could be how they get us sick.
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Study Links NYC Congestion Pricing Policy to Cleaner Air In Lower Manhattan
One year after NYC launched its congestion pricing policy, fine particulate pollution inside Manhattan’s congestion relief zone was 13 percent lower, according to a new analysis.
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Grief, Recovery and the Environmental Lessons of 9/11
Michael Gerrard revisits the profound grief and overlooked environmental hazards of the World Trade Center attacks, including asbestos and toxic debris.
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Dangerous Hot Days Are Spreading Beyond Summer
Extreme heat has become more common. But a new study finds that these events are no longer confined to the warmest part of the year; they are also becoming more frequent in the months before and after.
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Better Data, Better Maps: Supporting Ebola Response in Eastern Congo
An effective Ebola response depends on knowing not only where cases are being reported, but also where people live, where health facilities are located and which health areas are responsible for reaching them.
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What Happens to Our Brains in a Warming World?
Climate change is already reshaping our brains. How do we act earlier, build resilience and change the trajectory for generations to come?
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Mercury Rising: Why Emissions of This Deadly Neurotoxin May Soon Increase
The EPA is proposing changes to the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards (MATS), which would weaken mercury emissions limits from U.S. fossil fuel power plants by 70 percent.
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Air Pollution Cuts in East Asia Likely Accelerated Global Warming
A new study finds that some forms of air pollution in the atmosphere have helped shade the Earth’s surface from the sun’s energy.
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Nanoplastics Are All Around (and Inside) Us
How are humans exposed to these tiny and ubiquitous plastics? And is there anything we can do about it?
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
