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.

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

  • 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.