State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

climate change82

  • Sabin Center Wins Award for Outstanding Contributions to Environmental Protection

    Sabin Center Wins Award for Outstanding Contributions to Environmental Protection

    The American Bar Association award recognizes the center as a premier source for information, analysis, and education on climate change law and policy.

  • How Will Climate Change Impact Shelter?

    How Will Climate Change Impact Shelter?

    In this video, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory researchers Robin Bell, Radley Horton, and Adam Sobel explain their research and how it can help improve adaptation practices and make our homes, livelihoods, and the systems we rely on more resilient to extreme weather and sea level rise.

  • What Changes Minds About Climate Change?

    What Changes Minds About Climate Change?

    More Americans are coming to agree with the vast majority of climate scientists who say human-induced climate change is really happening. Here’s what works, and what doesn’t, when communicating with skeptics.

  • Analyzing Winter Storm Risk and Resilience in a Changing Climate

    Analyzing Winter Storm Risk and Resilience in a Changing Climate

    A new study analyzing storm intensity and impacts in the New York metro area aims to inform how communities can better prepare for winter storms and enhance resiliency as the effects of climate change exacerbate hazards.

  • Developing Carbon Management Solutions

    Developing Carbon Management Solutions

    David Goldberg and Peter Kelemen, scientists at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, are at the forefront of carbon capture and storage research. In this video, they discuss their work and how it will contribute to carbon management solutions and strengthen society’s resilience to climate change.

  • Surging Heat May Limit Aircraft Takeoffs Globally

    Surging Heat May Limit Aircraft Takeoffs Globally

    Rising temperatures due to global warming will make it harder for many aircraft around the world to take off in coming decades, says a new study. During the hottest parts of the day, 10 to 30 percent of fully loaded planes may have to remove some fuel, cargo or passengers, or else wait for cooler…

  • One of Largest Icebergs Ever Breaks off Antarctica

    One of Largest Icebergs Ever Breaks off Antarctica

    One of the largest icebergs ever – roughly the size of Delaware – just broke off of Antarctica, according to scientists who have been observing the area for years. While it’s not unusual for ice shelves to calve, many in the climate community fear that the breaking of Larsen C may be a signal of…

  • Warming Climate Could Abruptly Increase Rain in Africa’s Sahel

    Warming Climate Could Abruptly Increase Rain in Africa’s Sahel

    Climate change could turn one of Africa’s driest regions wet, according to a new study. Scientists have found evidence in computer simulations for a possible abrupt change in the Sahel, a region long characterized by aridity and political instability. In the study, just published in the journal Earth System Dynamics, the authors detected a self-amplifying…

  • Fueled by Melting Glaciers, Algae Bloom Off Greenland

    Fueled by Melting Glaciers, Algae Bloom Off Greenland

    Iron particles catching a ride on glacial meltwater washed out to sea are likely fueling a recently discovered summer algal bloom off the southern coast of Greenland, according to a new study. Microalgae, also known as phytoplankton, are plant-like marine microorganisms that form the base of the food web in many parts of the ocean.…

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.

  • Sabin Center Wins Award for Outstanding Contributions to Environmental Protection

    Sabin Center Wins Award for Outstanding Contributions to Environmental Protection

    The American Bar Association award recognizes the center as a premier source for information, analysis, and education on climate change law and policy.

  • How Will Climate Change Impact Shelter?

    How Will Climate Change Impact Shelter?

    In this video, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory researchers Robin Bell, Radley Horton, and Adam Sobel explain their research and how it can help improve adaptation practices and make our homes, livelihoods, and the systems we rely on more resilient to extreme weather and sea level rise.

  • What Changes Minds About Climate Change?

    What Changes Minds About Climate Change?

    More Americans are coming to agree with the vast majority of climate scientists who say human-induced climate change is really happening. Here’s what works, and what doesn’t, when communicating with skeptics.

  • Analyzing Winter Storm Risk and Resilience in a Changing Climate

    Analyzing Winter Storm Risk and Resilience in a Changing Climate

    A new study analyzing storm intensity and impacts in the New York metro area aims to inform how communities can better prepare for winter storms and enhance resiliency as the effects of climate change exacerbate hazards.

  • Developing Carbon Management Solutions

    Developing Carbon Management Solutions

    David Goldberg and Peter Kelemen, scientists at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, are at the forefront of carbon capture and storage research. In this video, they discuss their work and how it will contribute to carbon management solutions and strengthen society’s resilience to climate change.

  • Surging Heat May Limit Aircraft Takeoffs Globally

    Surging Heat May Limit Aircraft Takeoffs Globally

    Rising temperatures due to global warming will make it harder for many aircraft around the world to take off in coming decades, says a new study. During the hottest parts of the day, 10 to 30 percent of fully loaded planes may have to remove some fuel, cargo or passengers, or else wait for cooler…

  • One of Largest Icebergs Ever Breaks off Antarctica

    One of Largest Icebergs Ever Breaks off Antarctica

    One of the largest icebergs ever – roughly the size of Delaware – just broke off of Antarctica, according to scientists who have been observing the area for years. While it’s not unusual for ice shelves to calve, many in the climate community fear that the breaking of Larsen C may be a signal of…

  • Warming Climate Could Abruptly Increase Rain in Africa’s Sahel

    Warming Climate Could Abruptly Increase Rain in Africa’s Sahel

    Climate change could turn one of Africa’s driest regions wet, according to a new study. Scientists have found evidence in computer simulations for a possible abrupt change in the Sahel, a region long characterized by aridity and political instability. In the study, just published in the journal Earth System Dynamics, the authors detected a self-amplifying…

  • Fueled by Melting Glaciers, Algae Bloom Off Greenland

    Fueled by Melting Glaciers, Algae Bloom Off Greenland

    Iron particles catching a ride on glacial meltwater washed out to sea are likely fueling a recently discovered summer algal bloom off the southern coast of Greenland, according to a new study. Microalgae, also known as phytoplankton, are plant-like marine microorganisms that form the base of the food web in many parts of the ocean.…