State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

East Antarctic Ice Sheet

  • Antarctica’s Retreating Ice

    Antarctica’s Retreating Ice

    While the ice sheets on West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula are usually the ones to make the news in relation to climate change, recent studies have documented transformations that are taking place on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet as well. On the continent as a whole, large areas of ice have already melted and…

  • This Bird Flies South for the Winter

    This Bird Flies South for the Winter

    Migrating south in the winter is a behavior that Antarctic scientists share with many species of birds, although the scientists fly just a bit further south. For the IcePod team it was time to join the migration so they could test their equipment in the most challenging environment the Earth has to offer.

  • Researchers Unravel Origins of Antarctica’s Ice-Covered Mountains

    ‘This work shows that very old mountains can rise again, like a Phoenix from the ashes’

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

  • Antarctica’s Retreating Ice

    Antarctica’s Retreating Ice

    While the ice sheets on West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula are usually the ones to make the news in relation to climate change, recent studies have documented transformations that are taking place on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet as well. On the continent as a whole, large areas of ice have already melted and…

  • This Bird Flies South for the Winter

    This Bird Flies South for the Winter

    Migrating south in the winter is a behavior that Antarctic scientists share with many species of birds, although the scientists fly just a bit further south. For the IcePod team it was time to join the migration so they could test their equipment in the most challenging environment the Earth has to offer.

  • Researchers Unravel Origins of Antarctica’s Ice-Covered Mountains

    ‘This work shows that very old mountains can rise again, like a Phoenix from the ashes’