Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Archives - State of the Planet

An iceberg in the Arctic with underside visible

Montreal Protocol Is Delaying First Ice-Free Arctic Summer

New research from Columbia climate scientists shows that the 1987 ozone treaty, designed to protect the ozone layer, has postponed the occurrence of the first ice-free Arctic by as much as 15 years.

by Holly Evarts |May 25, 2023
A close-up image of Sargassum seaweed on sand in Crane Beach, Barbados.

What Is Blue Carbon and How Can It Help Fight Climate Change?

Researchers at Columbia Climate School discuss the benefits and challenges of working with carbon from ocean and coastal ecosystems.

by |January 25, 2023
view of the globe with data superimposed in colors

Announcing a New Undergraduate Major: Climate System Science

Launched in partnership with the Columbia Climate School, the new major is aimed at students who want to understand the past, present, and future climate system, and learn strategies for solving the climate crisis.

by |December 1, 2022
ocean at sunset

Catching the Next Eruption of Axial Volcano

Diary entries from a research expedition that deployed seismometers on the ocean floor in hopes of recording the next eruption of a submarine volcano.

by Theresa Sawi |September 19, 2022
Caroline Juang profile picture

Caroline Juang: Blending Art, Science, and Outreach

In addition to studying climate-related hazards, Juang is a talented artist who helps make STEM fields more accessible for underrepresented minorities. Somehow, she also finds time to sleep.

by Alexis Earl |August 24, 2022
a tiger in a forested area

Study Establishes Key Areas for Tiger Movement in Central India

By mapping out overlapping areas identified as tiger corridors in previous studies, researchers hope to send a clear and cohesive message on which areas are most important for conservation.

by |May 23, 2022
evapotranspiration map

Space Station Instrument Provides Newly Detailed Look at Plants’ Drought Resistance

Plants in the same groups often show similar drought resistance independent of the climate in which they grow.

by |April 14, 2022
kids learn about coral layers

EI LIVE K12: RSVP for Our Winter/Spring 2022 Sessions

Our popular video series for students, educators, and parents returns with an exciting lineup from January to June.

by Christina Deodatis |January 3, 2022
internships students work-study

Spring 2022 Undergraduate Research Assistant Opportunities

Undergraduates from Columbia will be able to serve as research assistants on projects related to sustainable development and the environment.

by |December 20, 2021

An Inside Look at the Making of the Recent IPCC Report

IRI climate scientist Daniel Ruiz Carrascal shares his experiences working on this globally influential report, as well as his thoughts about how he hopes it will affect research and action in the future.

by |December 17, 2021