Press Release2
-

New Report: Ocean Carbon Removal Shows Promise, But Big Questions Remain
Marine carbon dioxide removal could support climate action but faces major scientific, technical and governance challenges, according to a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report.
-

Unused Natural Gas Behind NYC’s $300 Million Waste of a Potent Greenhouse Gas
New research may offer cities an overlooked pathway for reducing methane emissions while potentially saving consumers millions of dollars lost to wasted natural gas.
-

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.
-

August Research Roundup: Select Papers
This month, we covered a long-term analysis suggesting that landfill methane emissions may be far higher than estimated, as well as new research on unexpected trends in U.S. extreme rainfall. Here are additional studies worth noting.
-

Long-Term Study Suggests Landfill Methane Emissions Are Far Higher Than Estimates
A major New Jersey landfill emitted about five times more methane in 2023 than was reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
-

July Research Roundup: Select Papers
This month, we covered the 2026 Environmental Performance Index; how gas bubbles shaped Kīlauea’s lava flow; and the Pacific’s contrasting effects on wildfires. Here are some additional studies worth noting.
-

Pacific Ocean Pattern Helps Explain Diverging Wildfire Trends in U.S. and Australia
Two of the world’s most fire-prone regions have followed strikingly different wildfire trajectories despite both experiencing a warming climate.
-

New Environmental Performance Index Highlights Sustainability Gains and the Challenges Ahead
The 2026 EPI, produced by Yale and Columbia Climate School, finds that Europe leads in environmental performance but few countries are on track for net-zero by 2050.
-

Study Reveals How Gas Bubbles Shaped Kīlauea’s 2018 Lava Flow
New research shows that gas bubbles played a central role in controlling how fast and far the lava traveled, and that lava flow models need to account for bubbles to more accurately forecast where lava will stop.

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
