Earth Fundamentals2
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A Brief History of Ocean Research at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Past and Present
In honor of World Oceans Day on June 8.
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During the Last Ice Age, the Tropics Were Colder Than We Thought. Bad News for Us.
Gases collected from ancient groundwater provide a compelling portrait of how much past temperatures have swung back and forth.
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Hidden Within African Diamonds, a Billion-Plus Years of Deep-Earth History
Fluids trapped within the stones are helping researchers reconstruct the deep history of the continent, and eventually maybe others.
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Decades After the Oil Spill That Inspired Earth Day, Are We Prepared for the Next One?
We’ve gotten better at preventing and tracking oil spills, but oceanographers say much more progress is needed.
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Sidney Hemming, Paleoclimate Detective, Wins Guggenheim Fellowship
A Q&A with the geochemist, who plans to investigate a key climate interval millions of years ago.
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Fossil Plants at Bottom of the Greenland Ice Sheet Warn of Future Melting
The discovery of fossil plants below a mile of Greenland ice indicates that the ice sheet completely melted in the past, and suggests it could rapidly do so again.
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The ‘Zealandia Switch’: Missing Link in Big Natural Climate Shifts?
Movements of winds in the Southern Hemisphere may be the key to waxing and waning of ice ages, says a new study.

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
