cities and climate change
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Dangerous Hot Days Are Spreading Beyond Summer
Extreme heat has become more common. But a new study finds that these events are no longer confined to the warmest part of the year; they are also becoming more frequent in the months before and after.
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How Can Cities Fight Climate Change and Still Stay Within Legal Guardrails?
The authors of a new book discuss how urban areas can take climate action without running afoul of state and federal laws.
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Sabin Center Releases Report Providing Legal Tools for U.S. Cities to Act on Climate Change
Cities Climate Law can help local governments move from pledges to action by demystifying the legal context in which they develop climate policy.
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Is Electricity Use in the Developing World About to Skyrocket?
Cities in the developing world may soon see dramatic spikes in electricity consumption for heating and cooling, according to a new study led by researchers from the Earth Institute’s Quadracci Sustainable Engineering Lab.
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How to Prep a City for Climate Change
Cities around the world already have begun responding to climate change, and a new report from the Earth Institute provides a deep analysis about the risks they face and a detailed look at what some cities are doing about it.
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The Sustainable City
By concentrating human population in cities, we will make it possible to preserve land for wilderness, ecosystem maintenance and agriculture. People will travel to these places and will experience nature, but only a fortunate few will live close to nature.
COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More
