State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

ecotourism

  • How Ecotourism Can Harm Indigenous Communities

    How Ecotourism Can Harm Indigenous Communities

    The lack of a clear set rules for ecotourism means it’s often not as sustainable as it sounds.

  • Losing Leaf Peepers: the Effect of Climate Change on Fall Color

    Losing Leaf Peepers: the Effect of Climate Change on Fall Color

    The spectacular colors of fall foliage draw throngs of tourists to the Eastern U.S. each year. However, new research from The Chinese Academy of Sciences suggests that climate change may shift the timing of this seasonal event to the detriment of travelers and locals alike.

  • Is Green Travel Possible?

    Is Green Travel Possible?

    Imagine if each of the 4.3 million daily commuters on the New York City subway took an international flight. Now think of each of those people on flights spewing jet fuel emissions, guzzling canned soda from plastic airline cups and water from plastic bottles, tossing hotel toiletries into non-recycling bins, blasting hotel air conditioners, and…

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

  • How Ecotourism Can Harm Indigenous Communities

    How Ecotourism Can Harm Indigenous Communities

    The lack of a clear set rules for ecotourism means it’s often not as sustainable as it sounds.

  • Losing Leaf Peepers: the Effect of Climate Change on Fall Color

    Losing Leaf Peepers: the Effect of Climate Change on Fall Color

    The spectacular colors of fall foliage draw throngs of tourists to the Eastern U.S. each year. However, new research from The Chinese Academy of Sciences suggests that climate change may shift the timing of this seasonal event to the detriment of travelers and locals alike.

  • Is Green Travel Possible?

    Is Green Travel Possible?

    Imagine if each of the 4.3 million daily commuters on the New York City subway took an international flight. Now think of each of those people on flights spewing jet fuel emissions, guzzling canned soda from plastic airline cups and water from plastic bottles, tossing hotel toiletries into non-recycling bins, blasting hotel air conditioners, and…