Climate change — caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization — is one of the most urgent challenges facing our planet. These activities increase greenhouse gas emissions, trapping heat in the atmosphere and disrupting global climate systems. The impacts are far-reaching, from more frequent extreme weather events to rising sea levels and ecosystem shifts. Tackling climate change will require a sustained commitment to cutting emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and strengthening resilience in vulnerable communities worldwide.
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- Why Flash Flooding Is Getting Worse and How to Stay SafeTIME | July 15, 2025
Jeffrey Schlegelmilch, associate professor of climate at Columbia University, says that climate change has in part escalated “the opportunity for these storms to be holding more water and to have higher rates of rainfall.” … “Rainfall is getting more intense—getting much more intense—downfalls over short periods of time,” in part due to the warmer atmosphere holding more moisture, says Schlegelmich’s colleague, professor of climate with the Columbia Climate School James Smerdon, a professor of climate with the Columbia Climate
- Africans survived 10,000 years of climate changes by adapting food systems – study offers lessons for modern timesThe Conversation | July 15, 2025
Authored by Leanne Phelps and Kristian Doublass of the Columbia Climate School
- With ramped-up local restrictions, renewable energy marches on - pv magazine USAPV Magazine | July 14, 2025
Public outcry over individual renewable energy projects increased 32% last year, in many cases succeeding to delay a project’s approval, scaling down its size or achieving its cancelation, according to a new report from Columbia University’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law.
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Upcoming Events
- Monday, September 22, 2025 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Every sport is played on nature’s stage. As climate change and habitat destruction threaten biodiversity, the sports industry must step up as a key player in conservation. This panel will bring together experts to explore how sports organizations, teams, leagues, venues, and athletes are working to restore natural habitats, promote […]
- Friday, August 8, 2025 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Final PhD Defense On August 8, Vivian Do will present, “Shedding Light on Power Outages as a Climate Change-related and Health-relevant Exposure.” Join us in person in ARB 1101 or via Zoom. In-person attendance is only available to Columbia affiliates. Affiliates outside of Columbia are welcome to attend via […]
- Wednesday, August 6, 2025 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
The growing risks of rising heat, more intense storms, and a history of environmental injustice continue to generate disproportionate climate impacts in communities like Harlem. You are invited to join on, as part of Harlem Week 2025, to discuss: What is government doing to address […]
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Kevin Krajick
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Caroline Adelman
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cadelman@climate.columbia.edu