State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

decision making

  • Public Service, Public Ethics and New York’s Political Life

    Public Service, Public Ethics and New York’s Political Life

    Sometimes the quest for public service can lead people to cut corners on the way they work to achieve what they believe are critical goals.

  • Building the Profession of Sustainability Management

    Building the Profession of Sustainability Management

    Today, most of those running sustainability units are trained in other fields. As they retire they will be replaced by well-trained sustainability professionals.

  • International Conference on El Niño, Nov. 17-18

    International Conference on El Niño, Nov. 17-18

    A live-streamed international conference on El Niño takes place on Nov. 17 and 18 at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society.

  • Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Countries vary dramatically in their records of environmental responsibility. Some nations such as Switzerland and Norway are well known for their willingness to sacrifice for the future good, while countries such Iraq and South Africa lag far behind. There are certainly socio-economic reasons for these stark differences, but is it also possible that human psychology…

  • Maps Made for Disaster Management

    Maps Made for Disaster Management

    Newly redesigned interactive mapping tools are helping the Red Cross make planning and operational decisions ahead of droughts and extreme weather.

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

  • Public Service, Public Ethics and New York’s Political Life

    Public Service, Public Ethics and New York’s Political Life

    Sometimes the quest for public service can lead people to cut corners on the way they work to achieve what they believe are critical goals.

  • Building the Profession of Sustainability Management

    Building the Profession of Sustainability Management

    Today, most of those running sustainability units are trained in other fields. As they retire they will be replaced by well-trained sustainability professionals.

  • International Conference on El Niño, Nov. 17-18

    International Conference on El Niño, Nov. 17-18

    A live-streamed international conference on El Niño takes place on Nov. 17 and 18 at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society.

  • Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Countries vary dramatically in their records of environmental responsibility. Some nations such as Switzerland and Norway are well known for their willingness to sacrifice for the future good, while countries such Iraq and South Africa lag far behind. There are certainly socio-economic reasons for these stark differences, but is it also possible that human psychology…

  • Maps Made for Disaster Management

    Maps Made for Disaster Management

    Newly redesigned interactive mapping tools are helping the Red Cross make planning and operational decisions ahead of droughts and extreme weather.