Press Release23
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In Ancient Rocks, Scientists See a Climate Cycle Working Across Deep Time
A gradual shift in Earth’s orbit that repeats every 405,000 years plays a role in natural climate swings.
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The 100th Meridian, Where the Great Plains Begin, May Be Shifting
Two new papers find that the line that divides the moist East and arid West is edging eastward due to climate change—and the implications for farming and other pursuits could be huge.
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Climate Migrants Will Soon Shift Populations of Many Countries, Says World Bank
If emissions of greenhouse gases remain high, as many as 143 million “internal migrants” might move within their own countries by 2050.
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Palm Trees Are Spreading Northward. How Far Will They Go?
A new study explores what it will take for the iconic tropical tree to expand into areas that have long been too cold for palm trees to survive.
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North Atlantic Is Getting Less Salty, But It’s Too Soon to Blame Climate Change
Researchers report a sharp drop in salinity in the North Atlantic Ocean over the last decade, providing the most detailed look yet at the region’s changing ocean conditions. A continued decline could impact fish stocks and the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2.
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Researchers Map High Levels of Drugs in the Hudson River
In a new study, researchers have mapped out a large variety of discarded pharmaceuticals dissolved throughout the Hudson River. They say that in some places, levels may be high enough to potentially affect aquatic life.
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Global Environment Report Card Sees Dirty Air, Failing Fisheries
Many countries are making progress on improving water sanitation and protecting marine ecosystems. But air pollution continues as a leading health problem in many nations, and fisheries are deteriorating almost everywhere.
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Breaking New Ground in Hurricane Modeling
Researchers create first model for hurricane hazard assessment that is both open source and capable of accounting for climate change.
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New Tracker Keeps Tabs on Government Attacks on Science
The Silencing Science Tracker, from Columbia’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law and the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund, will log actions by the U.S. government to silence scientists working on environmental, public health and climate issues.

By studying thousands of buildings and analyzing their electricity use, Columbia Climate School Dean Alexis Abramson has been able to uncover ways to significantly cut energy consumption and emissions. Watch the Video: “Engineering a Cooler Future Through Smarter Buildings“
