Press Release4
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In Eastern Africa, the Cradle of Humankind Is Tearing Apart
Researchers have found that Earth’s underlying crust in the Turkana Rift region has been significantly thinned, presaging Africa’s eventual breakup—and with that finding, the researchers offer a new perspective on Turkana’s fossil record of human evolution.
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Tree Rings Reveal Hurricane Impacts and Emerging Sea-Level Stress in Coastal Forests
New research suggests that trees largely recover from storms within two years, and that coastal trees may be stressed from sea-level rise.
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Sinking Land Drives Hidden Flood Risk in One of the World’s Most Populated Regions
A new study finds that land subsidence is outpacing ocean-driven sea-level rise along the northern coastline of Java Island, Indonesia.
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A Complicated Future for a Methane-Cleansing Molecule
A new model shows how levels of the “atmosphere’s detergent” may rise and fall in response to climate change.
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New Study Reveals Hidden “Chemical Currency” Fueling the Ocean’s Carbon Cycle
This research identifies a diverse set of molecules released by marine phytoplankton that fuel microbial life and help drive Earth’s carbon cycle.
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Earth’s “Missing” Billion Years: Study Links the Great Unconformity to Early Tectonics
New findings shed light on a widespread gap in the geologic record, where more than a billion years of Earth’s history appear to have been erased.
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Harnessing AI, Scientists Discover a Rise in Floating Algae Across the Global Ocean
A recent study demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence as a tool for processing large amounts of ocean data.
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Unexpected Climate Feedback Links Antarctic Ice Sheet With Reduced Carbon Uptake
New study reveals surprising link between West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) retreat and algae growth over the past 500,000 years.
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Greenland Ice Cap Vanished Just 7,000 Years Ago
The first study from GreenDrill finds that Greenland’s Prudhoe Dome ice cap had fully melted much more recently than previously thought.

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
