State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

climate change98

  • 2015: The Hottest Year

    2016 May Be Even Hotter

  • It’s Beginning to Look Not a Lot Like Christmas

    It’s Beginning to Look Not a Lot Like Christmas

    Much of the eastern two-thirds of the United States was balmy on Christmas Day, with high temperatures more than 20°F above average from Texas to Maine. According to NOAA, 789 daily high temperature records were tied or broken on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the continental United States. What’s behind this unusual weather?

  • New App Explores Ice and Sea Level Change Through Time

    Lamont-Doherty Scientists Create ‘Polar Explorer: Sea Level’

  • Electoral Politics and Environmental Sustainability

    The political consensus for sustainability that could emerge might be based on increased funding for the science of renewable energy, battery technology, energy efficiency and smart grids. It could also include incentives for private sector investment to commercialize new energy technologies, and tax expenditures that make it easier for consumers to adopt these new technologies.

  • Listen in: Sachs & Cohen on the Paris Agreement

    Listen in: Sachs & Cohen on the Paris Agreement

    Earth Institute Director Jeffrey Sachs sat down with Brian Lehrer at WNYC on Tuesday to talk about the Paris climate agreement and what happens now.

  • Understanding the Paris Climate Accord and Its Implications

    Understanding the Paris Climate Accord and Its Implications

    On Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, 195 countries reached a history-making agreement to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in order to avert the direst effects of climate change. Here are some of the best and most reliable resources to help you understand the Paris accord and its implications.

  • What is the U.S. Commitment in Paris?

    What is the U.S. Commitment in Paris?

    The United States has joined 185 countries in promising to curb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, develop other ways to mitigate the impacts and to make communities more resilient to climate change. So what exactly is the United States proposing to do?

  • Optimism, But Also a Hard Bottom Line for Island States

    Optimism, But Also a Hard Bottom Line for Island States

    “Reaching an agreement would firstly mean an increase in awareness for the particular situation faced by small island developing states. States such as Kiribati are on the front line of climate change since they are already experiencing its effects, and an agreement would enhance recognition of [their] vulnerability.”

  • Sea Level Rise: How Much, How Fast?

    Sea Level Rise: How Much, How Fast?

    By studying modeled climate evidence from the last interglacial period, the team concluded that the warming going on today risks setting off “feedbacks” in the climate system.

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.

  • 2015: The Hottest Year

    2016 May Be Even Hotter

  • It’s Beginning to Look Not a Lot Like Christmas

    It’s Beginning to Look Not a Lot Like Christmas

    Much of the eastern two-thirds of the United States was balmy on Christmas Day, with high temperatures more than 20°F above average from Texas to Maine. According to NOAA, 789 daily high temperature records were tied or broken on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the continental United States. What’s behind this unusual weather?

  • New App Explores Ice and Sea Level Change Through Time

    Lamont-Doherty Scientists Create ‘Polar Explorer: Sea Level’

  • Electoral Politics and Environmental Sustainability

    The political consensus for sustainability that could emerge might be based on increased funding for the science of renewable energy, battery technology, energy efficiency and smart grids. It could also include incentives for private sector investment to commercialize new energy technologies, and tax expenditures that make it easier for consumers to adopt these new technologies.

  • Listen in: Sachs & Cohen on the Paris Agreement

    Listen in: Sachs & Cohen on the Paris Agreement

    Earth Institute Director Jeffrey Sachs sat down with Brian Lehrer at WNYC on Tuesday to talk about the Paris climate agreement and what happens now.

  • Understanding the Paris Climate Accord and Its Implications

    Understanding the Paris Climate Accord and Its Implications

    On Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, 195 countries reached a history-making agreement to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in order to avert the direst effects of climate change. Here are some of the best and most reliable resources to help you understand the Paris accord and its implications.

  • What is the U.S. Commitment in Paris?

    What is the U.S. Commitment in Paris?

    The United States has joined 185 countries in promising to curb carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, develop other ways to mitigate the impacts and to make communities more resilient to climate change. So what exactly is the United States proposing to do?

  • Optimism, But Also a Hard Bottom Line for Island States

    Optimism, But Also a Hard Bottom Line for Island States

    “Reaching an agreement would firstly mean an increase in awareness for the particular situation faced by small island developing states. States such as Kiribati are on the front line of climate change since they are already experiencing its effects, and an agreement would enhance recognition of [their] vulnerability.”

  • Sea Level Rise: How Much, How Fast?

    Sea Level Rise: How Much, How Fast?

    By studying modeled climate evidence from the last interglacial period, the team concluded that the warming going on today risks setting off “feedbacks” in the climate system.