cs highlights9
-

Rings of Time: Seeking Clues to the Future in Urban Timber
Lamont scientists are working with lumber salvage companies to preserve old timbers from demolished structures that offer rich clues to climate data and human history.
-

The Ocean Carbon Sink Is Ailing
Measurements analyzed by an international research team indicate the global ocean absorbed significantly less CO₂ than anticipated during the unprecedented marine heatwave in 2023.
-

Twenty Years Later: What Lessons Have We Learned From Hurricane Katrina?
As the risk of extreme weather grows, Columbia experts revisit Katrina’s legacy and what it means for future catastrophes.
-

Columbia Climate School Launches Climate, Earth, and Society Distinguished Fellows Program
A new initiative will unite globally renowned leaders to drive bold, collaborative action on the most urgent challenges facing our climate, Earth and society.
-

The Rising Threat to New York City’s Food System
An increasing risk of flooding in Hunts Point could upend a large share of the city food distribution.
-

Is It Time To Rethink What’s on Our Plates?
In its new season, the Food Pod for Humanity podcast explores plant-based diets and alternative proteins to reduce food-related climate impacts.
-

Tiny Giants: Marine Microbes’ Pivotal Role in the Ocean’s Future
These “invisible” organisms are key to the question of how much carbon the ocean can hold.
-

Burned Amazon Forests Stay Hot and Stressed for Decades, Finds New NASA-Supported Study
Research indicates that fire alters tropical forests’ ability to tolerate climate stress and store carbon—a crucial role in global climate mitigation.
-

A Disaster Expert Explains Why the Texas Floods Were So Devastating
A warning system, which might involve integrating older technology like weather radios with new AI products and local knowledge, is key to preventing future loss of life.

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
