State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

acid rain

  • Growing Nitrogen Footprint Threatens Our Air, Water and Climate

    Growing Nitrogen Footprint Threatens Our Air, Water and Climate

    Industrial farming in the temperate climates has been seen as the main cause of nitrogen pollution, but tropical agriculture emissions are catching up.

  • The Catskill Watershed: a Story of Sacrifice and Cooperation

    The Catskill Watershed: a Story of Sacrifice and Cooperation

    It has become so easy for us here in NYC to turn on the tap without realizing the hardship, unimaginable sacrifices and money that have allowed us this incredible resource at the mere flick of a finger. We returned to the downstream end of the aqueducts with a newfound appreciation of the hard work we…

  • Why is Your Nitrogen Footprint Important?

    Why is Your Nitrogen Footprint Important?

    While most people today are aware of the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, far fewer understand the harmful effects of nitrogen pollution. Yet many scientists believe that man’s disruption of the natural nitrogen cycle is a potential global tipping point and a serious threat to biodiversity.

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More

  • Growing Nitrogen Footprint Threatens Our Air, Water and Climate

    Growing Nitrogen Footprint Threatens Our Air, Water and Climate

    Industrial farming in the temperate climates has been seen as the main cause of nitrogen pollution, but tropical agriculture emissions are catching up.

  • The Catskill Watershed: a Story of Sacrifice and Cooperation

    The Catskill Watershed: a Story of Sacrifice and Cooperation

    It has become so easy for us here in NYC to turn on the tap without realizing the hardship, unimaginable sacrifices and money that have allowed us this incredible resource at the mere flick of a finger. We returned to the downstream end of the aqueducts with a newfound appreciation of the hard work we…

  • Why is Your Nitrogen Footprint Important?

    Why is Your Nitrogen Footprint Important?

    While most people today are aware of the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, far fewer understand the harmful effects of nitrogen pollution. Yet many scientists believe that man’s disruption of the natural nitrogen cycle is a potential global tipping point and a serious threat to biodiversity.