State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

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  • The 7 Billion Challenge

    The 7 Billion Challenge

    The rapid rise in the world’s population to 7 billion — from 6 billion a dozen years ago — poses enormous challenges. In this video, Earth Institute Director Jeffrey D. Sachs talks about the stresses our population already puts on the planet, and the mission of the institute to promote sustainable development.

  • Join a Conversation About 7 Billion People

    Join a Conversation About 7 Billion People

    The world’s population will reach 7 billion this year, and the UN estimates continued growth, primarily in less-developed regions. What will this steep population growth mean for our environmental, economic and social systems? Join the conversation on Oct. 17.

  • Cycle of Abuse Among Nazca Boobies

    Cycle of Abuse Among Nazca Boobies

    Researchers studying Nazca boobies of the Galápagos Islands found high correlations between degree of aggressive behavior among adults and the amount of abuse they endured as nestlings. The findings have implications for those who study human psychology and behavior, as some social scientists argue that abused children are statistically more likely to become abusers later…

  • Polyandrous Mouse Lemurs – The Larger the Better

    Polyandrous Mouse Lemurs – The Larger the Better

    Researchers report that larger female mouse lemurs mate with more male partners at once than smaller females. The findings have implications for polyandry and other mating systems.

  • Critter Corner: News Roundup on Biodiversity – Week of 10/3

    Critter Corner: News Roundup on Biodiversity – Week of 10/3

    Read more about how humans are just modified fish, the discovery of a rare seahorse, the relationship between climate change, elk, and aspen, and the the structure of ambrosia beetle colonies in this week’s edition of The Critter Corner.

  • This Year in Conservation – FREE Panel Discussion

    This Year in Conservation – FREE Panel Discussion

    The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation is hosting a free evening program on Wednesday, October 12.

  • Wasteland Transformed into Magnificent Freshkills Park

    Wasteland Transformed into Magnificent Freshkills Park

    Odors of putrid garbage and mismanaged waste are being replaced by fragrant grass and flowers at Staten Island’s Freshkills Park, once the world’s biggest landfill.

  • Humans Continue to Evolve

    Humans Continue to Evolve

    Modern day human evolution is a contentious topic, but an array of recent studies indicate that our species is still evolving.

  • Reintroduction Boot Camp for Endangered Black-Footed Ferrets

    Reintroduction Boot Camp for Endangered Black-Footed Ferrets

    Animal keepers at the National Zoo’s conservation center recently sent 26 black-footed ferrets to a critter boot camp to help the endangered species learn the necessary skills to survive in the wild.

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • The 7 Billion Challenge

    The 7 Billion Challenge

    The rapid rise in the world’s population to 7 billion — from 6 billion a dozen years ago — poses enormous challenges. In this video, Earth Institute Director Jeffrey D. Sachs talks about the stresses our population already puts on the planet, and the mission of the institute to promote sustainable development.

  • Join a Conversation About 7 Billion People

    Join a Conversation About 7 Billion People

    The world’s population will reach 7 billion this year, and the UN estimates continued growth, primarily in less-developed regions. What will this steep population growth mean for our environmental, economic and social systems? Join the conversation on Oct. 17.

  • Cycle of Abuse Among Nazca Boobies

    Cycle of Abuse Among Nazca Boobies

    Researchers studying Nazca boobies of the Galápagos Islands found high correlations between degree of aggressive behavior among adults and the amount of abuse they endured as nestlings. The findings have implications for those who study human psychology and behavior, as some social scientists argue that abused children are statistically more likely to become abusers later…

  • Polyandrous Mouse Lemurs – The Larger the Better

    Polyandrous Mouse Lemurs – The Larger the Better

    Researchers report that larger female mouse lemurs mate with more male partners at once than smaller females. The findings have implications for polyandry and other mating systems.

  • Critter Corner: News Roundup on Biodiversity – Week of 10/3

    Critter Corner: News Roundup on Biodiversity – Week of 10/3

    Read more about how humans are just modified fish, the discovery of a rare seahorse, the relationship between climate change, elk, and aspen, and the the structure of ambrosia beetle colonies in this week’s edition of The Critter Corner.

  • This Year in Conservation – FREE Panel Discussion

    This Year in Conservation – FREE Panel Discussion

    The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation is hosting a free evening program on Wednesday, October 12.

  • Wasteland Transformed into Magnificent Freshkills Park

    Wasteland Transformed into Magnificent Freshkills Park

    Odors of putrid garbage and mismanaged waste are being replaced by fragrant grass and flowers at Staten Island’s Freshkills Park, once the world’s biggest landfill.

  • Humans Continue to Evolve

    Humans Continue to Evolve

    Modern day human evolution is a contentious topic, but an array of recent studies indicate that our species is still evolving.

  • Reintroduction Boot Camp for Endangered Black-Footed Ferrets

    Reintroduction Boot Camp for Endangered Black-Footed Ferrets

    Animal keepers at the National Zoo’s conservation center recently sent 26 black-footed ferrets to a critter boot camp to help the endangered species learn the necessary skills to survive in the wild.