State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

direct air capture

  • Can Removing Carbon From the Atmosphere Save Us From Climate Catastrophe?

    Can Removing Carbon From the Atmosphere Save Us From Climate Catastrophe?

    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that limiting global warming to 1.5˚C will require removing CO2 from the atmosphere. How feasible is this?

  • 10 Reasons to Take Direct Air Capture Seriously

    10 Reasons to Take Direct Air Capture Seriously

    Though still requiring more research and development, direct air capture, a technology that extracts CO­2 from ambient air, offers reason for optimism. It is economically viable in several areas and can permit negative emissions to eventually stabilize atmospheric concentrations. While current support for the pioneers in this industry comes from private and philanthropic investment, here…

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More

  • Can Removing Carbon From the Atmosphere Save Us From Climate Catastrophe?

    Can Removing Carbon From the Atmosphere Save Us From Climate Catastrophe?

    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that limiting global warming to 1.5˚C will require removing CO2 from the atmosphere. How feasible is this?

  • 10 Reasons to Take Direct Air Capture Seriously

    10 Reasons to Take Direct Air Capture Seriously

    Though still requiring more research and development, direct air capture, a technology that extracts CO­2 from ambient air, offers reason for optimism. It is economically viable in several areas and can permit negative emissions to eventually stabilize atmospheric concentrations. While current support for the pioneers in this industry comes from private and philanthropic investment, here…