State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

air conditioning

  • Air Conditioning Poses a Climate Conundrum

    Air Conditioning Poses a Climate Conundrum

    The more we cool ourselves, the more we warm the planet. Is there a way to fix this?

  • Greener Ways to Keep Cool During a Heat Wave

    Greener Ways to Keep Cool During a Heat Wave

    The world is warming and our air conditioners are making it worse. Here are some less energy-intensive ways to survive the rising heat.

  • How Much Energy Does NYC Waste?

    How Much Energy Does NYC Waste?

    While the New York metropolitan area has been deemed the most wasteful megacity in the world, New York City is considered one of the world’s greenest. But how much energy does New York City waste and what is it doing about it?

  • Cooling the Former Frontier: Using Water to Save Energy

    Cooling the Former Frontier: Using Water to Save Energy

    AC units have become more efficient over the years, but energy consumption during hot summer months can increase significantly, boosting both the amount of money spent on electricity and the volume of greenhouse gasses emitted in the energy production process.

Earth Month Graphic Collage: "Our Power, Our Planet - April 2025"

The first Earth Day in 1970 ignited a movement to stop polluting our planet. This Earth Month, 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.

  • Air Conditioning Poses a Climate Conundrum

    Air Conditioning Poses a Climate Conundrum

    The more we cool ourselves, the more we warm the planet. Is there a way to fix this?

  • Greener Ways to Keep Cool During a Heat Wave

    Greener Ways to Keep Cool During a Heat Wave

    The world is warming and our air conditioners are making it worse. Here are some less energy-intensive ways to survive the rising heat.

  • How Much Energy Does NYC Waste?

    How Much Energy Does NYC Waste?

    While the New York metropolitan area has been deemed the most wasteful megacity in the world, New York City is considered one of the world’s greenest. But how much energy does New York City waste and what is it doing about it?

  • Cooling the Former Frontier: Using Water to Save Energy

    Cooling the Former Frontier: Using Water to Save Energy

    AC units have become more efficient over the years, but energy consumption during hot summer months can increase significantly, boosting both the amount of money spent on electricity and the volume of greenhouse gasses emitted in the energy production process.