Poverty / Development8
-

Data Visualization: World Happiness Trends
Could the number of women in a nation’s government have an impact on its happiness? Can air quality effect the mood of a population? Do trains make people happier? Explore World Happiness Report data and trends that might also contribute to a country’s overall well-being.
-

Mining Pollution Limits Access to Clean Water in Papua New Guinea
A new report documents the social, environmental, economic, and health impacts of gold mining in Porgera, Papua New Guinea.
-

New Initiative Will Study Conflict Mediators in Medellin, Colombia
The new initiative will explore the techniques that regular people use to de-escalate violence in their communities.
-

Africa: An Air Pollution Wildcard
Atmospheric scientists discover surprising levels and unexpected types of pollution that seem to be originating in Africa.
-

Executive Training on Sustainable Investments in Agriculture: Applications Now Open!
The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment’s annual training session will be held at Columbia University in New York City in June 2019. Applications are now open, and will be assessed on a rolling basis.
-

UN Resolution Would Protect Land and Water Rights of Rural People
This proposed declaration includes a number of rights, and specifically mentions that water resources in mountain ecosystems should be protected against pollution from mining activities.
-

New Guides Help Communities Avoid Exploitative Contracts
Earth Institute researchers have helped to develop two guides that inform communities on how to protect their lands and rights against abusive investors.
-

The Intersection of Climate Science and Hope: A Personal Story
A man from Mali explains why he spent his summer working with Columbia’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network.
-

Here’s How Cameroon Can Achieve Land Contract Transparency
A new law promises to remove the shroud of secrecy that has hovered over contracts and concessions the government has signed with natural resource investors.

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
