State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Sustainability110

  • In Haiti, Exploring What Drives People to Alter the Landscape

    In Haiti, Exploring What Drives People to Alter the Landscape

    Study of the Pedernales Watershed, located along Haiti’s southern national boundary with the Dominican Republic, may provide insights into the stark contrast in land cover patterns between the two countries.

  • IPCC Says Managing Risks of Climate Change is Critical

    IPCC Says Managing Risks of Climate Change is Critical

    Among the key findings of the WGII AR5 Report chapter on human security, a topic highlighted in the Report for the first time, is that societies in conflict are more vulnerable to climate change.

  • The U.S. Water Challenge: Watch the Video

    The U.S. Water Challenge: Watch the Video

    Most American’s live with the expectation that fresh water will continue to flow freely from their faucets. The reality is that environmental degradation, an aging water infrastructure, water scarcity, job instability, and the ability to provide food for a growing population are now pressing issues.

  • Managing Energy Efficiency: Translating Policy into Action

    Managing Energy Efficiency: Translating Policy into Action

    It seems logical that conserving energy is good for everyone: reducing carbon pollution is good for the environment, and conserving resources makes financial sense. Yet, getting customers to participate in cost-saving, energy-efficient programs is not as straightforward as one might think. To examine this issue further, on March 13, the Earth Institute co-hosted, with the…

  • Certificate Program: Black Rock Forest Case Study

    Certificate Program: Black Rock Forest Case Study

    Forests are a vitally important habitat for much of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. During this class you will learn key issues in forest ecology and management through an all-day field trip to Black Rock Forest, and study how pathogens and other invasive species affect forest structure and function.

  • A Life Well Mapped

    A Life Well Mapped

    Mark Becker believed in the power of geospatial data and analysis to motivate our stewardship of the environment and guide development of sustainable approaches that balance human and environmental needs.

  • An Inside Look at “The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love”

    This semester, the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development was pleased to host Carey Clinton, Regional Recruiter, and BriAnne Watkins, Assessment Specialist Recruiter, of the Peace Corps at the Earth Institute as part of the Sustainability Speaker Series.

  • The UN Solutions Network Begins to Chart New Pathways for Sustainable Development

    November 29, 2012, NEW YORK – The Leadership Council of the new Sustainable Development Solutions Network gathered at Columbia University to chart new pathways to global sustainable development. The Solutions Network operates under the auspices of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. More than 70 top scientists, business leaders, politicians and civil society leaders from around the…

  • Launch of United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network

    September 24, 2012, NEW YORK – A diverse group of international leaders in science, business, policy, the United Nations, and civil society gathered at Columbia University on September 22 to launch the new Sustainable Development Solutions Network under the auspices of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. As a first step, the network will establish 10 global…

Colorful icons representing nature, sustainable living, and renewable energy with text "Earth Day 2026"

The first Earth Day in 1970 ignited a movement to stop polluting our planet. Today, our scientists and experts are tackling the most pressing challenges to achieve real-world impact. This Earth Day, join us in our commitment to realizing a just and sustainable future for our planet. Visit our Earth Day website for ideas, resources, and inspiration.

  • In Haiti, Exploring What Drives People to Alter the Landscape

    In Haiti, Exploring What Drives People to Alter the Landscape

    Study of the Pedernales Watershed, located along Haiti’s southern national boundary with the Dominican Republic, may provide insights into the stark contrast in land cover patterns between the two countries.

  • IPCC Says Managing Risks of Climate Change is Critical

    IPCC Says Managing Risks of Climate Change is Critical

    Among the key findings of the WGII AR5 Report chapter on human security, a topic highlighted in the Report for the first time, is that societies in conflict are more vulnerable to climate change.

  • The U.S. Water Challenge: Watch the Video

    The U.S. Water Challenge: Watch the Video

    Most American’s live with the expectation that fresh water will continue to flow freely from their faucets. The reality is that environmental degradation, an aging water infrastructure, water scarcity, job instability, and the ability to provide food for a growing population are now pressing issues.

  • Managing Energy Efficiency: Translating Policy into Action

    Managing Energy Efficiency: Translating Policy into Action

    It seems logical that conserving energy is good for everyone: reducing carbon pollution is good for the environment, and conserving resources makes financial sense. Yet, getting customers to participate in cost-saving, energy-efficient programs is not as straightforward as one might think. To examine this issue further, on March 13, the Earth Institute co-hosted, with the…

  • Certificate Program: Black Rock Forest Case Study

    Certificate Program: Black Rock Forest Case Study

    Forests are a vitally important habitat for much of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. During this class you will learn key issues in forest ecology and management through an all-day field trip to Black Rock Forest, and study how pathogens and other invasive species affect forest structure and function.

  • A Life Well Mapped

    A Life Well Mapped

    Mark Becker believed in the power of geospatial data and analysis to motivate our stewardship of the environment and guide development of sustainable approaches that balance human and environmental needs.

  • An Inside Look at “The Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love”

    This semester, the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development was pleased to host Carey Clinton, Regional Recruiter, and BriAnne Watkins, Assessment Specialist Recruiter, of the Peace Corps at the Earth Institute as part of the Sustainability Speaker Series.

  • The UN Solutions Network Begins to Chart New Pathways for Sustainable Development

    November 29, 2012, NEW YORK – The Leadership Council of the new Sustainable Development Solutions Network gathered at Columbia University to chart new pathways to global sustainable development. The Solutions Network operates under the auspices of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. More than 70 top scientists, business leaders, politicians and civil society leaders from around the…

  • Launch of United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network

    September 24, 2012, NEW YORK – A diverse group of international leaders in science, business, policy, the United Nations, and civil society gathered at Columbia University on September 22 to launch the new Sustainable Development Solutions Network under the auspices of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. As a first step, the network will establish 10 global…