State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

disturbance ecology

  • How Ice Scouring in the Antarctic Disrupts Ecosystems

    How Ice Scouring in the Antarctic Disrupts Ecosystems

    A recent study sheds light on how different types of species are affected by calving icebergs that tear apart the seafloor.

  • Climate Change and the Re-Greening of Puerto Rico

    Climate Change and the Re-Greening of Puerto Rico

    Ecologist Maria Uriarte investigates the effects of Hurricane Maria on the forests of Puerto Rico, and how long-term climate change may affect them.

  • Fire on the Mountain, Fire in the ‘Burbs

    Fire on the Mountain, Fire in the ‘Burbs

    I walked out of the house Thursday morning when my nose detected it – a forest fire! Having worked for two years in the piney woods of southwest Georgia, I had become accustomed to and, actually, come to love forest fires. That classic line kept coming into my mind, “the scent of fire in the…

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • How Ice Scouring in the Antarctic Disrupts Ecosystems

    How Ice Scouring in the Antarctic Disrupts Ecosystems

    A recent study sheds light on how different types of species are affected by calving icebergs that tear apart the seafloor.

  • Climate Change and the Re-Greening of Puerto Rico

    Climate Change and the Re-Greening of Puerto Rico

    Ecologist Maria Uriarte investigates the effects of Hurricane Maria on the forests of Puerto Rico, and how long-term climate change may affect them.

  • Fire on the Mountain, Fire in the ‘Burbs

    Fire on the Mountain, Fire in the ‘Burbs

    I walked out of the house Thursday morning when my nose detected it – a forest fire! Having worked for two years in the piney woods of southwest Georgia, I had become accustomed to and, actually, come to love forest fires. That classic line kept coming into my mind, “the scent of fire in the…