decarbonization2
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New York City Government Struggles to Advance Sustainability Goals
Managing New York City is enormously complicated, and reaching carbon reduction goals will be a matter of two steps forward and one step back; management innovation is necessary to bring our city government’s operations into the 21st century and hasten the transition to environmental sustainability.
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The Paradox of Lithium
The clean energy transition depends heavily on lithium, but mining this element is not “clean.” We must not fall into the same traps from which we are trying to free ourselves.
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By Favoring Allies, Inflation Reduction Act Could Delay Decarbonization Efforts
Domestic supply requirements in the landmark climate bill could make it more difficult to obtain the critical minerals needed for energy transition, and may disqualify many leading brands of electric vehicles from tax credits.
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Just Transition Litigation in Latin America: Sabin Center Launches New Report
Looking at 20 just transition lawsuits from Latin America, the report analyzes what arguments are being made and how those arguments have been received by the courts.
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Five Things the Energy Transition Can’t Do Without
Achieving the energy transition will take money, minerals, land, water, and skilled labor. Will we have enough of each?
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Building Green Energy Facilities May Produce Substantial Carbon Emissions, Says Study
Moving from fossil fuels to solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable energy sources will by itself create a new stream of carbon emissions with the construction so much new infrastructure. The good news: Speeding the transition would greatly reduce this effect.
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Preventing a Fossil Fuel Comeback in Congress
It makes economic, political, national security, and environmental sense to promote renewable energy and allow energy price competition to drive fossil fuels out of the marketplace.
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Mining, Land Grabs, and More: When Decarbonization Conflicts With Human Rights
Transitioning off fossil fuels isn’t all sunshine and roses. Experts from around Columbia Climate School weigh in on how governments and developers can move forward responsibly.
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The Energy Transition Needs to Be Climate-Proofed
Increasingly extreme weather has the potential to derail renewable energy projects — but there are a few things we can do to keep moving forward.
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
