State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

climate change154

  • Columbia Student Advises Community on How to Cut Greenhouse Gases

    by Jessie Stensland Global warming is a hot issue these days. Former Vice President Al Gore is getting rave reviews for his movie about climate change. President George Bush finally admitted last year that human activity “may” be causing global warming. While the federal government has been resistant toward taking substantial steps to curb the…

  • Cosmic Dust in Ice Cores Sheds Light on Earth’s Past Climate

    Each year nearly 40,000 tons of cosmic dust fall to Earth from outer space. Now, the first successful chronological study of extraterrestrial dust in Antarctic ice has shown that this amount has remained largely constant over the past 30,000 years, a finding that could help refine efforts to understand the timing and effects of changes…

  • Earth: Utilities Included

    by Shahid Naeem, Professor of Ecology, Columbia University The day all utilities and service providers stop sending us bills would be a day of unparalleled celebration, with ticker-tape parades for the executives of utilities companies, and the naming of national heroes. Until that day comes, we have Earth Day. Our most vital utilities and services…

  • Glacial Earthquakes Point to Rising Temperatures in Greenland

    Rise of seismic activity linked to the movement of glaciers may be a response to global warming

  • Study Offers Preview of Ice Sheet Melting, Rapid Climate Changes

    Behavior of Scandinavian Ice Sheet at the end of the last Ice Age may preview loss of Greenland Ice Sheet due to global warming

  • Reining in Carbon Dioxide Levels Imperative but Possible

    Business-as-usual approach threatens world energy supplies and environment, but affordable, effective solutions appear within reach

  • Researchers Confirm Role of Massive Flood in Climate Change

    Flood of fresh water disrupted ocean circulation and Earth’s climate; simulations validated by climate proxy record

Colorful icons representing nature, sustainable living, and renewable energy with text "Earth Day 2026"

The first Earth Day in 1970 ignited a movement to stop polluting our planet. Today, our scientists and experts are tackling the most pressing challenges to achieve real-world impact. This Earth Day, join us in our commitment to realizing a just and sustainable future for our planet. Visit our Earth Day website for ideas, resources, and inspiration.

  • Columbia Student Advises Community on How to Cut Greenhouse Gases

    by Jessie Stensland Global warming is a hot issue these days. Former Vice President Al Gore is getting rave reviews for his movie about climate change. President George Bush finally admitted last year that human activity “may” be causing global warming. While the federal government has been resistant toward taking substantial steps to curb the…

  • Cosmic Dust in Ice Cores Sheds Light on Earth’s Past Climate

    Each year nearly 40,000 tons of cosmic dust fall to Earth from outer space. Now, the first successful chronological study of extraterrestrial dust in Antarctic ice has shown that this amount has remained largely constant over the past 30,000 years, a finding that could help refine efforts to understand the timing and effects of changes…

  • Earth: Utilities Included

    by Shahid Naeem, Professor of Ecology, Columbia University The day all utilities and service providers stop sending us bills would be a day of unparalleled celebration, with ticker-tape parades for the executives of utilities companies, and the naming of national heroes. Until that day comes, we have Earth Day. Our most vital utilities and services…

  • Glacial Earthquakes Point to Rising Temperatures in Greenland

    Rise of seismic activity linked to the movement of glaciers may be a response to global warming

  • Study Offers Preview of Ice Sheet Melting, Rapid Climate Changes

    Behavior of Scandinavian Ice Sheet at the end of the last Ice Age may preview loss of Greenland Ice Sheet due to global warming

  • Reining in Carbon Dioxide Levels Imperative but Possible

    Business-as-usual approach threatens world energy supplies and environment, but affordable, effective solutions appear within reach

  • Researchers Confirm Role of Massive Flood in Climate Change

    Flood of fresh water disrupted ocean circulation and Earth’s climate; simulations validated by climate proxy record