State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

biofuels

  • Synthetic Biology: Creating New Forms of Life

    Synthetic Biology: Creating New Forms of Life

    When leading genomic scientist, J. Craig Venter announced in May 2010 that he’d created the first self-replicating organism with a totally synthetic genome (the genetic material of an organism), it was the first time many people had heard of synthetic biology. Venter did not actually create a synthetic living organism—rather his research team created a…

  • Urbanization, Export Crops Drive Deforestation

    In Reversal, Land Is Cleared for Global Trade and Big Cities, Says Study

  • Global Food Crisis Golden Opportunity for African Farmers

    “The global food crisis is the result of a perfect storm,” said Dr. Pedro Sanchez of the Earth Institute at an event in Nairobi on Thursday, April 24. “The diversion of land for biofuels, the increasing demand for feed grains and the drought in Australia have all contributed to the soaring food prices,” said Sanchez.…

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • Synthetic Biology: Creating New Forms of Life

    Synthetic Biology: Creating New Forms of Life

    When leading genomic scientist, J. Craig Venter announced in May 2010 that he’d created the first self-replicating organism with a totally synthetic genome (the genetic material of an organism), it was the first time many people had heard of synthetic biology. Venter did not actually create a synthetic living organism—rather his research team created a…

  • Urbanization, Export Crops Drive Deforestation

    In Reversal, Land Is Cleared for Global Trade and Big Cities, Says Study

  • Global Food Crisis Golden Opportunity for African Farmers

    “The global food crisis is the result of a perfect storm,” said Dr. Pedro Sanchez of the Earth Institute at an event in Nairobi on Thursday, April 24. “The diversion of land for biofuels, the increasing demand for feed grains and the drought in Australia have all contributed to the soaring food prices,” said Sanchez.…