Columbia Water Center Archives - State of the Planet

Flooding in California: What Went Wrong, and What Comes Next

Climate School experts help to explain this devastating weather and what it means in the broader conversation of climate change and disaster response.

by |January 12, 2023
researchers sitting on ice with equipment

Year in Review: Our Top Stories of 2022

A list of some of our most popular articles and videos, plus some of our favorites that you shouldn’t miss.

by |December 22, 2022

2022 Climate News You Should Know

Climate School experts weigh in on the past year’s most noteworthy events and developments within their fields.

by Elise Gout |December 19, 2022

American Geophysical Union 2022: Key Research From the Columbia Climate School

A guide to some of the most provocative and groundbreaking talks at the world’s largest gathering of earth and space scientists.

by |November 29, 2022
upmanu lall headshot

Exploring Actionable Solutions for Water Security

America’s water systems face many challenges, including climate change and aging infrastructure. An upcoming event will focus on ways to solve multiple problems at the same time, with the same funding.

by Emily Halnon |September 7, 2022

Study Sees Potential Ways to Mitigate India’s Risk of Groundwater Depletion

Government-subsidized electricity has played a big role in pumping out groundwater for irrigation at an unsustainable rate. Changing the system could help, say researchers.

by |July 1, 2022

You’ve Heard of Water Droughts. Could Energy Droughts Be Next?

In a new study, researchers show how widely wind and solar potential vary by season and year, suggesting that backup energy sources may be needed as the world shifts to renewables to bring carbon emissions to zero.

by |April 12, 2022
high school students in waders stand in river

Celebrating the 2022 International Day of Women and Girls in Science

This U.N.-designated day aims to accelerate gender equity and improve access to and participation in science for women and girls.

by |February 11, 2022
Shannon Márquez headshot

Shannon Márquez: Empowering Women and Girls Through Access to Water and Sanitation

The engineer and environmental health researcher studies the intersections of gender, water, sanitation, and hygiene.

by |February 11, 2022
flooding in highway

Penny Wise and Pound Foolish? NYC Budget Cuts Aggravated Flooding and Deaths

When drainage infrastructure isn’t maintained, even modest rainfall events can cause dangerous flooding.

by Yunus Kovankaya, Sara Schwetschenau, and Upmanu Lall |January 6, 2022