State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

bacteria

  • Glacial Ice Cores Reveal 15,000 Year Old Microbes

    Glacial Ice Cores Reveal 15,000 Year Old Microbes

    Ancient ice contains a rich microbial record going back thousands of years. Recent advances have provided tools to study their genes and evolution, but climate change threatens to erase this frozen archive.

  • Study Finds Sewage Bacteria Lurking in Hudson River Sediments

    Study Finds Sewage Bacteria Lurking in Hudson River Sediments

    A new study shows that fecal bacteria from sewage can persist in far greater quantities in near-shore sediments than in the water of the Hudson River.

  • Keys to Success

    Keys to Success

    Humans hate to catch the flu, But here’s a fact that’s less well-known: Bacteria get infections too As many cultures have now shown.

Colorful icons representing nature, sustainable living, and renewable energy with text "Earth Day 2026"

The first Earth Day in 1970 ignited a movement to stop polluting our planet. Today, our scientists and experts are tackling the most pressing challenges to achieve real-world impact. This Earth Day, 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.

  • Glacial Ice Cores Reveal 15,000 Year Old Microbes

    Glacial Ice Cores Reveal 15,000 Year Old Microbes

    Ancient ice contains a rich microbial record going back thousands of years. Recent advances have provided tools to study their genes and evolution, but climate change threatens to erase this frozen archive.

  • Study Finds Sewage Bacteria Lurking in Hudson River Sediments

    Study Finds Sewage Bacteria Lurking in Hudson River Sediments

    A new study shows that fecal bacteria from sewage can persist in far greater quantities in near-shore sediments than in the water of the Hudson River.

  • Keys to Success

    Keys to Success

    Humans hate to catch the flu, But here’s a fact that’s less well-known: Bacteria get infections too As many cultures have now shown.