State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

climate change109

  • Did Climate Change Help Spark The Syrian War?

    Scientists Link Warming Trend to Record Drought and Later Unrest

  • Initiative on Extreme Weather and Climate Kick-Off

    Initiative on Extreme Weather and Climate Kick-Off

    This week marks the launch of the new Columbia Initiative on Extreme Weather and Climate, a cross-disciplinary collaboration between a variety of centers, research groups and individuals from across Columbia University. The Initiative, led by Adam Sobel, kicked off on Monday evening with a World Leaders Forum panel event in Low Library. Panelists discussed a…

  • Webcast Tonight: Focus on Extreme Weather

    Webcast Tonight: Focus on Extreme Weather

    The Columbia Initiative on Extreme Weather and Climate brings together experts across the university to integrate research into the physical science of these events with research on their impacts on human society and engineering solutions. The initiative kicks off this evening with a panel discussion, “Preparing for Extreme Weather: Global Lessons from Sandy,” from 6-7:30…

  • Report Forecasts Worsening Climate Hazards for Region

    Report Forecasts Worsening Climate Hazards for Region

    A new report gives a worrisome picture of climate-related problems the New York region will likely face this century. Temperatures are projected to rise, extreme precipitation and heat waves will be more frequent, and sea level could rise as much as 6 feet.

  • Warming Pushes Western U.S. Toward Driest Period in 1,000 Years

    Study Warns of Unprecedented Risk of Drought in 21st Century

  • Seafloor Volcano Pulses May Alter Climate

    New Data Show Strikingly Regular Patterns, From Weeks to Eons

  • Climate Change Poses Challenges to Plants and Animals

    Climate Change Poses Challenges to Plants and Animals

    Because of climate change, spring, summer, fall and winter in the temperate zones are all arriving on average 1.7 days earlier than they ever have before. The changing climate with its more extreme weather is affecting many plant and animal species, disturbing their habitat and disrupting ecosystem functioning. How will plants and animals deal with…

  • Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy

    Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy

    In June 2013, the Rebuild by Design competition was launched to find innovative solutions to the vulnerabilities of the region that Sandy exposed. The six winning projects were chosen for their excellence in design and resilience, and engagement with local communities. How will they protect their communities?

  • 2014 Was Warmest Year in Modern Record, Say Two U.S. Reports

    Data in Accord With Other Nations’ Studies

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • Did Climate Change Help Spark The Syrian War?

    Scientists Link Warming Trend to Record Drought and Later Unrest

  • Initiative on Extreme Weather and Climate Kick-Off

    Initiative on Extreme Weather and Climate Kick-Off

    This week marks the launch of the new Columbia Initiative on Extreme Weather and Climate, a cross-disciplinary collaboration between a variety of centers, research groups and individuals from across Columbia University. The Initiative, led by Adam Sobel, kicked off on Monday evening with a World Leaders Forum panel event in Low Library. Panelists discussed a…

  • Webcast Tonight: Focus on Extreme Weather

    Webcast Tonight: Focus on Extreme Weather

    The Columbia Initiative on Extreme Weather and Climate brings together experts across the university to integrate research into the physical science of these events with research on their impacts on human society and engineering solutions. The initiative kicks off this evening with a panel discussion, “Preparing for Extreme Weather: Global Lessons from Sandy,” from 6-7:30…

  • Report Forecasts Worsening Climate Hazards for Region

    Report Forecasts Worsening Climate Hazards for Region

    A new report gives a worrisome picture of climate-related problems the New York region will likely face this century. Temperatures are projected to rise, extreme precipitation and heat waves will be more frequent, and sea level could rise as much as 6 feet.

  • Warming Pushes Western U.S. Toward Driest Period in 1,000 Years

    Study Warns of Unprecedented Risk of Drought in 21st Century

  • Seafloor Volcano Pulses May Alter Climate

    New Data Show Strikingly Regular Patterns, From Weeks to Eons

  • Climate Change Poses Challenges to Plants and Animals

    Climate Change Poses Challenges to Plants and Animals

    Because of climate change, spring, summer, fall and winter in the temperate zones are all arriving on average 1.7 days earlier than they ever have before. The changing climate with its more extreme weather is affecting many plant and animal species, disturbing their habitat and disrupting ecosystem functioning. How will plants and animals deal with…

  • Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy

    Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy

    In June 2013, the Rebuild by Design competition was launched to find innovative solutions to the vulnerabilities of the region that Sandy exposed. The six winning projects were chosen for their excellence in design and resilience, and engagement with local communities. How will they protect their communities?

  • 2014 Was Warmest Year in Modern Record, Say Two U.S. Reports

    Data in Accord With Other Nations’ Studies