Press Release20
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Seismic Monitoring May Improve Early Warnings for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
A new study finds that real-time monitoring of ground motion could have detected a sudden and catastrophic flood in Bhutan five hours before it destroyed a village.
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Ancient Volcanoes Once Boosted Ocean Carbon, But Humans Are Now Far Outpacing Them
A new study of the closest ancient analog to modern carbon emissions finds that massive volcanism was the main cause of high carbon at the time. But nature did not come close to matching what humans are doing today.
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Antarctic Ice Shelves Vulnerable to Sudden Meltwater-Driven Fracturing, Says Study
A new study says that many of the ice shelves ringing Antarctica could be vulnerable to quick destruction if rising temperatures drive melt water into the numerous fractures that currently penetrate their surfaces.
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Greenland Ice Sheet Saw Record Loss in 2019
An international team of polar researchers says that the Greenland ice sheet experienced record loss in 2019.
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Fossil Leaves Show High Atmospheric Carbon Spurred Ancient ‘Global Greening’
Scientists studying leaves from a forest that stood during a warm period 23 million years ago have for the first time linked high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide with increased plant growth, as well with the high temperatures of the time.
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New Model for Pricing Carbon Will Help Meet Net-Zero Climate Change Goals
A new approach to carbon pricing avoids the pitfalls of calculating the social costs of carbon.
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Children Exposed to Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Suffered Physical and Mental Health Effects
Three out of five parents reported that their child had experienced physical health symptoms, and nearly one third reported that their child had mental health issues.
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Lead Fallout From Notre Dame Fire Was Likely Overlooked
New study estimates that a ton of lead dust may have been deposited in parks, homes, and schools near the cathedral.
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Tree Rings Show Unprecedented Rise in Extreme Weather in South America
A new South American Drought Atlas reveals that unprecedented widespread, intense droughts and unusually wet periods have been on the rise since the mid-20th century.

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
