CIESIN12
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A Life Well Mapped
Mark Becker believed in the power of geospatial data and analysis to motivate our stewardship of the environment and guide development of sustainable approaches that balance human and environmental needs.
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Coastal Erosion and Adaptation to Climate Change
Increasing understanding of the extent of coastal erosion and its interaction with other naturally existing geographical features such as mangrove vegetation is one of the areas of research that may help reduce vulnerability of small-island developing states to climate hazards.
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Night-time Lights Can Help Illuminate Trends in Urbanization
Improved satellite technology can enable more detailed and precise analysis of urban development patterns over time.
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Emerging Use Cases for Digital Soil Nutrient Maps of Ethiopia
By basing efforts to improve soil fertility directly on soil nutrient composition, the Ministry of Ethiopia will be able to identify key problems that are often overlooked, and to customize responses.
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Analysis of Spatial Data Combined with Teen Pregnancy Rates May Provide Increased Insights
Country efforts to improve the health and well-being of its populace may be helped by insights from improved population distribution data.
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Climate Forecasts: A Vital Tool for Policymakers
Focusing on near-term probabilities can also aid in decreasing vulnerability to future climate uncertainties.
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Mapping Flood Exposure in Southwest Haiti
Mapping flood exposure in Haiti is part of ongoing research at CIESIN on environmental risks and integrated development there.
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Bright Lights, Big City?
Researchers using nighttime lights data to ask questions about economic development in sub-Saharan Africa have findings counter to expectation.
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A Road Map Toward Better Understanding of Global Environmental Change
The Social Process Diagram published in 1992 was an attempt to map out the key systems and interactions among systems that were seen as underpinning the human drivers of global environmental change.

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More
