Press Release27
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Confirming Long-Term Trend, 2018 Was Fourth Warmest Year on Record
Earth’s global surface temperatures in 2018 were the fourth warmest since modern record keeping began in the 1880s, according to independent analyses by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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How Can We Use the National Climate Assessment to Prepare for Climate Change?
While the Trump administration is doing its best to ignore recent findings, an upcoming report will focus on helping cities, states, and businesses develop mitigation and adaptation strategies.
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Study Finds Sewage Bacteria Lurking in Hudson River Sediments
A new study shows that fecal bacteria from sewage can persist in far greater quantities in near-shore sediments than in the water of the Hudson River.
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Current Megadrought in the West Could Be One of the Worst in History
A 19-year drought in the American West is one of the most severe in the past 1200 years—and climate change is partially to blame, according to new research.
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Arsenic Contamination is Common in Punjabi Wells, Study Finds
But there’s a pretty simple solution that could protect a lot of people.
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How Climate Impacts Solar and Wind Power Supply
New research shows that long-term weather patterns could have a huge effect on the success of renewable energy
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Rainforest-Friendly Livelihoods Can Be More Lucrative Than Gold Mining
In the Peruvian Amazon, more sustainable occupations like fish farming and Brazil nut harvesting can pay off in more ways than one, according to a new study.
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Urbanization is Cutting Off Life Support to NYC’s Wetlands
New study reveals surprising facts behind a shrinking wetland, and suggests remedies.
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North Korea’s 2017 Bomb Test Set Off Later Earthquakes, New Analysis Finds
Using newly refined analysis methods, scientists have discovered that a North Korean nuclear bomb test last fall set off aftershocks over a period of eight months on a previously unmapped earthquake fault nearby.

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
