American Geophysical Union Archives - State of the Planet

American Geophysical Union 2022: Key Research From the Columbia Climate School

A guide to some of the most provocative and groundbreaking talks at the world’s largest gathering of earth and space scientists.

by |November 29, 2022
The calving front of Thwaites Glacier.

Crucial Antarctic Glacier Likely to Collapse Much Earlier than Expected

Thwaites Glacier, dubbed Antarctica’s ‘doomsday glacier,’ has been predicted to undergo dramatic changes, with its ice shelf likely to break apart in as little as five years.

by |December 17, 2021
reaction before and after

Reactions That Store Carbon Underground Can Cause Cracking. That’s Good News.

A laboratory experiment found that as CO2 solidified, it caused the rock around it to crack. In real reservoirs, this process could open up space to pump in more CO2.

by |December 14, 2021

American Geophysical Union 2021: Key Events From the Columbia Climate School

A guide to some of the most provocative talks at the world’s largest gathering of earth and space scientists.

by |December 7, 2021
tractor in a field

How the Effects of COVID-19 Could Cause Food Insecurity Until 2050

A panel discussion at the meeting of the American Geophysical Union discussed how the pandemic and climate impacts are combining to disrupt the world food supply.

by |December 18, 2020

American Geophysical Union 2020: Key Events From the Earth Institute

A guide to key talks and other events at the Dec. 1-17 virtual American Geophysical Union meeting.

by |December 1, 2020
maps showing current continents and two potential supercontinents

What Will the Climate Be Like When Earth’s Next Supercontinent Forms?

In roughly 200 million years, the continents will once again unite into a supercontinent. A new study explores how the next Pangea could affect the global climate.

by |December 1, 2020
four women in evening gowns

What’s a Climate Scientist to Wear During Awards Season?

Leading researchers design formal wear with a scientific edge

by |January 10, 2020
snowflake

New Citizen Science Project Asks: Is It Snowing Plastics?

The PlastiX-Snow project will track microplastics that contaminate Earth’s most remote and pristine locations.

by |December 20, 2019
map of corn belt

A Climate Change Double Whammy in the U.S. Corn Belt

Warming temperatures create two major drying trends, jeopardizing corn and soybean crops.

by |December 18, 2019