State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Department of Defense

  • Decarbonizing the Defense Department

    Decarbonizing the Defense Department

    Biden’s climate team could use normal executive power to emphasize renewable energy in the Department of Defense, and graduate students at Columbia University have provided a blueprint to jumpstart that process.

  • What the U.S. Military is Doing About Climate Change

    What the U.S. Military is Doing About Climate Change

    The White House may deny that climate change is happening, but the Department of Defense has been taking action for years to avoid and adapt to climate-related disasters.

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

  • Decarbonizing the Defense Department

    Decarbonizing the Defense Department

    Biden’s climate team could use normal executive power to emphasize renewable energy in the Department of Defense, and graduate students at Columbia University have provided a blueprint to jumpstart that process.

  • What the U.S. Military is Doing About Climate Change

    What the U.S. Military is Doing About Climate Change

    The White House may deny that climate change is happening, but the Department of Defense has been taking action for years to avoid and adapt to climate-related disasters.