Center for Sustainable Urban Development Archives - State of the Planet

flooded land

Resilient Coastal Communities and Climate Adaptation: Lessons from New York for New Zealand

A Fulbright scholar from the South Pacific shares the lessons she will bring home after a research fellowship with the Climate School’s Resilient Coastal Communities Project.

by Aya Morris |January 20, 2023
used car taxi

Why Ghana Relies Heavily on Used Cars

Used vehicles serve real needs across Africa, but they also contribute to its public health and environmental problems through crashes and pollution.

by Festival Godwin Boateng and Jacqueline Klopp |January 10, 2023
researchers sitting on ice with equipment

Year in Review: Our Top Stories of 2022

A list of some of our most popular articles and videos, plus some of our favorites that you shouldn’t miss.

by |December 22, 2022

2022 Climate News You Should Know

Climate School experts weigh in on the past year’s most noteworthy events and developments within their fields.

by Elise Gout |December 19, 2022
core repository

Presenting Climate LIVE K12: RSVP for Winter 2022 and Spring 2023 Sessions

In the Climate LIVE video series, experts from across the Columbia Climate School present climate and sustainability content for grade school and university students, educators, parents, and the public.

by Laurel Zaima and Christina Deodatis |October 11, 2022

What Is Decarbonization, and How Do We Make It Happen?

To keep the planet from warming more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, economies must rapidly decarbonize. What will this involve?

by |April 22, 2022
illustration of women forming a circle around the earth for international womens day

How These Women Are Contributing to a Sustainable Tomorrow

For International Women’s Day, we highlight a few women in the Columbia Climate School who are leading on climate science and adaptation, and helping to promote equity, sustainability, and resilience.

by |March 8, 2022
colorful minibuses driving in street

A Road Map for Minibus Electrification

A report co-authored by the Center for Sustainable Urban Development offers recommendations for electrifying a popular mode of transportation in three African cities.

by Elise Gout |February 23, 2022
people in street holding a sign that says 'climatejustice'

Teaming Up for Coastal Resilience and Climate Justice in NYC

The Resilient Coastal Communities Project will help address the growing risks of storm surge, flash flooding and sea level rise, in an inclusive and holistic manner.

by Paul Gallay, Annel Hernandez, and Eddie Bautista |January 31, 2022
NYC heat vulnerability index map

8 Ways NYC Can Help Vulnerable Communities Survive Summer Heat

Communities of color are especially at risk from extreme heat, and COVID-19 has made cooling off more challenging for many. Here’s how the city can do better.

by Jenny Bock and Sonal Jessel |September 27, 2021