State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

ecotourism

  • Regenerative Travel: Students Field Test What’s Next in Climate-Conscious Tourism

    Regenerative Travel: Students Field Test What’s Next in Climate-Conscious Tourism

    The Wild Tomorrow capstone workshop and Cuttyhunk Practicum are two examples of Climate School initiatives that focus on climate-conscious travel.

  • 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…

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

  • Regenerative Travel: Students Field Test What’s Next in Climate-Conscious Tourism

    Regenerative Travel: Students Field Test What’s Next in Climate-Conscious Tourism

    The Wild Tomorrow capstone workshop and Cuttyhunk Practicum are two examples of Climate School initiatives that focus on climate-conscious travel.

  • 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…