State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Cape Verde islands

  • Photo Essay: Rising Islands, Monster Wave

    Photo Essay: Rising Islands, Monster Wave

    Researchers at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory have published a new study showing that a tsunami of unimaginable size swept over the Cape Verde Islands some 73,000 years ago. The discovery may have implications for the potential for modern hazards.  READ THE FULL SCIENTIFIC STORY

  • Signs Of Ancient Megatsunami Could Portend Modern Hazard

    Evidence of an 800-Foot Wave in the Cape Verde Islands

  • Photo Essay: Sleeping Giant off West Africa Awakes

    Photo Essay: Sleeping Giant off West Africa Awakes

    Nearly 20 years after its last eruption, in 1995, Fogo volcano off West Africa awoke on Nov. 26. Within a week, it had buried two villages under scorching lava, leaving 1,200 people homeless. Lamont-Doherty geologist Ricardo Ramalho was there to document the action and help advise local government.

Composite banner with modern building at night and portrait of Dean Alexis Abramson that reads "Science for the Planet"

By studying thousands of buildings and analyzing their electricity use, Columbia Climate School Dean Alexis Abramson has been able to uncover ways to significantly cut energy consumption and emissions. Watch the Video: “Engineering a Cooler Future Through Smarter Buildings

  • Photo Essay: Rising Islands, Monster Wave

    Photo Essay: Rising Islands, Monster Wave

    Researchers at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory have published a new study showing that a tsunami of unimaginable size swept over the Cape Verde Islands some 73,000 years ago. The discovery may have implications for the potential for modern hazards.  READ THE FULL SCIENTIFIC STORY

  • Signs Of Ancient Megatsunami Could Portend Modern Hazard

    Evidence of an 800-Foot Wave in the Cape Verde Islands

  • Photo Essay: Sleeping Giant off West Africa Awakes

    Photo Essay: Sleeping Giant off West Africa Awakes

    Nearly 20 years after its last eruption, in 1995, Fogo volcano off West Africa awoke on Nov. 26. Within a week, it had buried two villages under scorching lava, leaving 1,200 people homeless. Lamont-Doherty geologist Ricardo Ramalho was there to document the action and help advise local government.