State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

coastal cities

  • Can Coney Island’s Dunes Protect Against Another Sandy?

    Can Coney Island’s Dunes Protect Against Another Sandy?

    The Coney Island Creek dune planting project started in 2021, with the goal of increasing coastal resilience and giving community members hands-on experience protecting their environment.

  • Improving U.S. Coastal Protection and Resilience

    Improving U.S. Coastal Protection and Resilience

    How can the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work with communities and agencies to create more effective coastal protection projects?

  • Lessons From Front Lines of Climate Change

    Lessons From Front Lines of Climate Change

    Cities already lead the action on responding to climate change. And cities are utilizing groups such as the Urban Climate Change Research Network to share lessons from implementation and scholarly research on urban climate change.

Collage of Turkiye beach scene and Columbia University Campus with text: UN Climate Change Conference COP31, Antalya, Turkiye, Nov 9-20, 2026

COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More

  • Can Coney Island’s Dunes Protect Against Another Sandy?

    Can Coney Island’s Dunes Protect Against Another Sandy?

    The Coney Island Creek dune planting project started in 2021, with the goal of increasing coastal resilience and giving community members hands-on experience protecting their environment.

  • Improving U.S. Coastal Protection and Resilience

    Improving U.S. Coastal Protection and Resilience

    How can the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work with communities and agencies to create more effective coastal protection projects?

  • Lessons From Front Lines of Climate Change

    Lessons From Front Lines of Climate Change

    Cities already lead the action on responding to climate change. And cities are utilizing groups such as the Urban Climate Change Research Network to share lessons from implementation and scholarly research on urban climate change.