State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

World map showing colored regions of climate change temperature anomalies.

Climate Change

Climate change — caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization — is one of the most urgent challenges facing our planet. These activities increase greenhouse gas emissions, trapping heat in the atmosphere and disrupting global climate systems. The impacts are far-reaching, from more frequent extreme weather events to rising sea levels and ecosystem shifts. Tackling climate change will require a sustained commitment to cutting emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and strengthening resilience in vulnerable communities worldwide.


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Upcoming Events

  • Wednesday, August 6, 2025 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Where: Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Harlem State Office Building, 163 W. 125 St., New York, NY 10027 Description: The growing risks of rising heat, more intense storms, and a history of environmental injustice continue to generate disproportionate climate impacts in communities like Harlem.  You are invited to join on, as part of Harlem Week 2025, to discuss: What is government doing to address […]
  • Monday, June 30, 2025 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM Where: Online Event Description: In celebration of June as National Ocean Month, the NSF Division of Ocean Sciences looks forward to the 7th annual Frontiers in Ocean Sciences Symposium, which highlights NSF-supported scientists transforming ocean science, including Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory oceanographer and carbon cycle scientist Galen McKinley. This year’s symposium will be centered on the recently released National Academies of Science, Engineering and […]
  • Monday, June 16, 2025 – Wed , June 18, 2025 (all day) Where: The Forum at Columbia University, 601 W. 125th St., New York, NY 10027 Description: The Columbia Climate School is pleased to once again host the Mobility and Resilience conference – the leading forum addressing climate mobility – in partnership with the Global Centre for Climate Mobility and the Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change. Every two […]

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Research Projects

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