Natural Disasters2
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Study of Extreme Indian Rainfall Upends Conventional Wisdom
While El Niño often brings drought conditions to India, a new paper shows that it also increases the likelihood of devastating downpours in some of the country’s most heavily populated regions.
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Twenty Years Later: What Lessons Have We Learned From Hurricane Katrina?
As the risk of extreme weather grows, Columbia experts revisit Katrina’s legacy and what it means for future catastrophes.
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The Rising Threat to New York City’s Food System
An increasing risk of flooding in Hunts Point could upend a large share of the city food distribution.
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Leveraging Next-Generation Tsunami Early Warning Systems to Save Lives
Tsunami early warning systems save lives not just when they are fast or accurate, but when they are trusted, understood and acted upon.
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Seismic Study Reveals Hidden Megathrust Earthquake Risk off British Columbia
A new study has revealed the first detailed images of a newly developing subduction zone off the coast of British Columbia.
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A Disaster Expert Explains Why the Texas Floods Were So Devastating
A warning system, which might involve integrating older technology like weather radios with new AI products and local knowledge, is key to preventing future loss of life.
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Rivers Choose Their Path Based on Erosion—a Discovery That Could Transform Flood Planning
A new study offers insight into natural hazards and river restoration, potentially guiding infrastructure projects ahead of disasters like the recent Texas flooding.
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Climate Mobility in Focus: Highlights From MR2025
Drawing academics, policymakers and practitioners from around the world, the conference addressed themes of climate mobility, adaptation and wellbeing.
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Columbia Climate School Students Take On Coastal Flooding at a U.N. Conference
At the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction Summit, a team of postgrad and current students worked through the night on a multimedia presentation of hazard predictions and proposed solutions.

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
