State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Center for Sustainable Urban Development5

  • Map & App Help People Track Transit in Nairobi

    Map & App Help People Track Transit in Nairobi

    Commuters and others traveling in and around Nairobi often rely on an unofficial network of minibuses and minivans, called matatus, that have no centrally controlled schedules, fares or route plans. But a new application developed for use on cellphones with Google Maps can now help them find their way.

  • ‘This is a wake-up call – don’t hit the snooze button’

    ‘This is a wake-up call – don’t hit the snooze button’

    For years before Hurricane Sandy charged ashore on Monday, researchers from the Earth Institute knew what was coming. As the region struggles to recover from this “superstorm,” we asked some of them to consider the lessons we can learn as we move forward.

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.

  • Map & App Help People Track Transit in Nairobi

    Map & App Help People Track Transit in Nairobi

    Commuters and others traveling in and around Nairobi often rely on an unofficial network of minibuses and minivans, called matatus, that have no centrally controlled schedules, fares or route plans. But a new application developed for use on cellphones with Google Maps can now help them find their way.

  • ‘This is a wake-up call – don’t hit the snooze button’

    ‘This is a wake-up call – don’t hit the snooze button’

    For years before Hurricane Sandy charged ashore on Monday, researchers from the Earth Institute knew what was coming. As the region struggles to recover from this “superstorm,” we asked some of them to consider the lessons we can learn as we move forward.