State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

climate change and decision making

  • The Intergenerational Ethics of Climate Change

    The Intergenerational Ethics of Climate Change

    We owe the young climate activists our attention and support.

  • Understanding GHG emissions: Stock vs. Flows

    Understanding GHG emissions: Stock vs. Flows

    In discussing climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a key distinction must be made between the stock of GHGs in the atmosphere, and the flow of GHGs, primarily emissions. Understanding this difference is crucial for designing and implementing policies to effectively address the problem. Because a bathtub is something that most of us are…

  • Understanding the Mind as the Temperature Climbs

    Understanding the Mind as the Temperature Climbs

    Warnings of potentially cataclysmic climate change have reached nearly every newspaper front page and legislative chamber around the globe since the 1990s. So why has the human response been so limited?

  • Do I Want It in My Backyard? Yes I Do!

    Coining a new phrase is a great way to change an old attitude, was my initial thought when I first read about “YIMFY” or “yes in my front yard”, a phrase introduced in a report from the International Energy Agency.It is a play on the well-known negative “not in my back yard”, but in reverse…

Collage of Turkiye beach scene and Columbia University Campus with text: UN Climate Change Conference COP31, Antalya, Turkiye, Nov 9-20, 2026

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

  • The Intergenerational Ethics of Climate Change

    The Intergenerational Ethics of Climate Change

    We owe the young climate activists our attention and support.

  • Understanding GHG emissions: Stock vs. Flows

    Understanding GHG emissions: Stock vs. Flows

    In discussing climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a key distinction must be made between the stock of GHGs in the atmosphere, and the flow of GHGs, primarily emissions. Understanding this difference is crucial for designing and implementing policies to effectively address the problem. Because a bathtub is something that most of us are…

  • Understanding the Mind as the Temperature Climbs

    Understanding the Mind as the Temperature Climbs

    Warnings of potentially cataclysmic climate change have reached nearly every newspaper front page and legislative chamber around the globe since the 1990s. So why has the human response been so limited?

  • Do I Want It in My Backyard? Yes I Do!

    Coining a new phrase is a great way to change an old attitude, was my initial thought when I first read about “YIMFY” or “yes in my front yard”, a phrase introduced in a report from the International Energy Agency.It is a play on the well-known negative “not in my back yard”, but in reverse…