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

  • Monday, January 12, 2026 9:00 AM – Tue , January 13, 2026 5:00 PM Where: Teachers College Columbia University, 525 W. 120 St., New York, NY 10027 Description: LEAP’s Winter 2026 Momentum Bootcamp is a hands-on event designed to foster convergence of climate science and data science; vertically integrate research and education; and forge a LEAP research and learning community including K-12 teachers, PhDs, postdocs, faculty, and other stakeholders. The […]

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