Baerbel Hoenisch
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A New 66 Million-Year History of Carbon Dioxide Offers Little Comfort for Today
Scientists have produced a new curve of how atmospheric carbon dioxide affects climate. It makes clear that its effects can be long lasting.
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Ancient Volcanoes Once Boosted Ocean Carbon, But Humans Are Now Far Outpacing Them
A new study of the closest ancient analog to modern carbon emissions finds that massive volcanism was the main cause of high carbon at the time. But nature did not come close to matching what humans are doing today.
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You Asked: What Caused Climate Change Before the Industrial Revolution?
A paleoclimatologist walks us through some of the natural causes of climate change — and why it’s important to take action on human-caused warming.
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Getting Warmer: Understanding Threats to Ocean Health
Two Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory scientists affiliated with the Center for Climate and Life are leading research that examines some of the ways climate change affects the health of the ocean.
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400 ppm World, Part 1: Large Changes Still to Come
Why should society care that CO2 is now as high as 400 ppm? The reasons are multiple, but all trace back to the relationship between CO2 and temperature.
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From Distant Past, Lessons on Ocean Acidification
Oceans turned more acidic during a period of great warming some 56 million years ago, causing an extinction of bottom-dwelling marine species known as foraminifera, a scenario that may be happening again now, only much more quickly.

COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More
