Press Release6
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A New Study Indicates Forest Regeneration Provides Climate Benefits, but Won’t Offset Fossil Fuels
Effective climate policy must treat forest regeneration and emissions reductions as complementary strategies, not alternatives, according to a new paper.
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Earth’s Crust Is Tearing Apart off the Pacific Northwest—and That’s Not Necessarily Bad News
Using seismic reflection imaging—essentially an ultrasound of the Earth’s subsurface—and detailed earthquake records, researchers captured a subduction zone in the process of tearing itself apart.
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Study of Extreme Indian Rainfall Upends Conventional Wisdom
While El Niño often brings drought conditions to India, a new paper shows that it also increases the likelihood of devastating downpours in some of the country’s most heavily populated regions.
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The Ocean Carbon Sink Is Ailing
Measurements analyzed by an international research team indicate the global ocean absorbed significantly less CO₂ than anticipated during the unprecedented marine heatwave in 2023.
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Columbia Climate School Launches Climate, Earth, and Society Distinguished Fellows Program
A new initiative will unite globally renowned leaders to drive bold, collaborative action on the most urgent challenges facing our climate, Earth and society.
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Burned Amazon Forests Stay Hot and Stressed for Decades, Finds New NASA-Supported Study
Research indicates that fire alters tropical forests’ ability to tolerate climate stress and store carbon—a crucial role in global climate mitigation.
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Seismic Study Reveals Hidden Megathrust Earthquake Risk off British Columbia
A new study has revealed the first detailed images of a newly developing subduction zone off the coast of British Columbia.
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A Chaotic Mars-Earth Planetary Cycle May Have Contributed to One of Earth’s Major Warming Events
New research shows that the Mars–Earth orbital cycle once had a 1.6-million-year cycle that coincided with major climate swings.
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Air Pollution Cuts in East Asia Likely Accelerated Global Warming
A new study finds that some forms of air pollution in the atmosphere have helped shade the Earth’s surface from the sun’s energy.

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
