Press Release28
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End of Colombia Conflict May Bring New Threats to Ecosystems
The end of a 52-year internal conflict could spell trouble for the second most biodiverse country in the world. A new study outlines a sustainable path forward.
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A Milestone for Forecasting Earthquake Hazards
In a new study, researchers report that their physics-based model of California earthquake hazards replicated estimates from the state’s leading statistical model.
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Short-Term Ocean Temperature Shifts Are Affecting West Antarctic Ice, Says Study
Scientists have known for some time that ice shelves off West Antarctica are melting as deep, warm ocean waters eat at their undersides, but a new study shows that temperatures, and resultant melting, can vary far more than previously thought, within a time scale of a few years.
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In India, Swapping Crops Could Save Water and Improve Nutrition
Replacing some rice with less thirsty crops could help to sustainably feed a rapidly growing population.
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Researchers Develop an Artificial Intelligence to Analyze Birdsong in a Warming Arctic
A new algorithm quickly sifts through hours of field recordings to learn how climate change influences bird migration. The A.I. could help track other wildlife as well.
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Shrinking Ice Sheet Made A Surprising Comeback
Thousands of years ago, the West Antarctic ice sheet shrank dramatically—then grew back in an unexpected way.
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Days on Earth Are Getting Longer. You Can Thank the Moon, Not the Seasons.
For anyone who has ever wished there were more hours in the day, geoscientists have some good news: Days on Earth are getting longer. Very slowly.
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Increasing Heat Is Driving Off Clouds That Dampen California Wildfires
Sunny California may be getting too sunny. Increasing summer temperatures brought on by a combination of intensifying urbanization and warming climate are driving off once-common morning cloud cover in southern coastal areas of the state, leading to increased risk of wildfires.
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Machine Listening for Earthquakes
In a new study, researchers show that machine learning algorithms can pick out different types of earthquakes from three years of data at Geysers in California. The repeating patterns of earthquakes appear to match the seasonal rise and fall of water-injection flows into the hot rocks below.

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
