Press Release23
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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.
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In Continuation of Trend, 2017 Was Second Warmest Year on Record
Earth’s global surface temperatures in 2017 ranked as the second warmest since 1880, according to an analysis by NASA released today.
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Climate Advisory Panel Disbanded by Trump Is Revived—But Not By the Feds
Columbia University, New York State, and others will host the former Federal Advisory Committee for the National Climate Assessment.
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Humidity May Prove Breaking Point for Some Areas as Temperatures Rise, Says Study
A new study projects that in coming decades the effects of high humidity in many areas may surpass humans’ ability to work or, in some cases, even survive.

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
