State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Earth’s crust

  • How Does Earth’s Continental Crust Form? A New Bottom-Up Theory

    How Does Earth’s Continental Crust Form? A New Bottom-Up Theory

    Scientists have long believed that continental crust forms in volcanic arcs. The lingering question has been how exactly that happens.

  • The Breathing Ocean

    The Breathing Ocean

    Far south and farther south, where winds are cold and screaming, Waters churn, and deep below, old sediments lie dreaming. A million years’ residuum of life and death and dust, A library of ice ages reposed upon Earth’s crust.

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

  • How Does Earth’s Continental Crust Form? A New Bottom-Up Theory

    How Does Earth’s Continental Crust Form? A New Bottom-Up Theory

    Scientists have long believed that continental crust forms in volcanic arcs. The lingering question has been how exactly that happens.

  • The Breathing Ocean

    The Breathing Ocean

    Far south and farther south, where winds are cold and screaming, Waters churn, and deep below, old sediments lie dreaming. A million years’ residuum of life and death and dust, A library of ice ages reposed upon Earth’s crust.