El Niño2
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Does the El Niño Southern Oscillation Actually Matter for Food Security?
And why should we care what causes a drought?
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What Caused the Great Famine?
Scientists are unraveling the driving forces of one of the worst environmental disasters in human history, in hopes of predicting and preparing for the next global drought.
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How Will La Niña Affect Winter in the U.S.?
This phenomenon can cause major changes in climate patterns. See what’s in store for your region.
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What’s in the Forecast and How Do We Know?
The Earth Institute’s International Research Institute for Climate and Society makes probabilistic forecasts for rainfall and temperature for the next six months. How does it do this?
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Rising Temperatures Lead to Increased Fire Risk in Indonesia
A new paper shows that rising temperatures have increased the risk of fires even during non-drought years in Indonesia, possibly making mild fire seasons in the country a thing of the past.
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Columbia, Princeton Scientists Share 2017 Vetlesen Prize
S. George Philander of Princeton University and Mark A. Cane of Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, who untangled the complex forces that drive El Niño, the world’s most powerful weather cycle, have won the 2017 Vetlesen Prize for achievement in earth sciences.
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Two Who Enabled El Niño Forecasts Win 2017 Vetlesen Prize
Warning Signs Now Applied Globally to Farming, Health, Water Issues
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Forecasting Climate, with Help from the Baobab Tree
To improve climate forecasts, scientists study the complex interactions and mechanisms within the climate system. But they also need to hear from potential users of climate information, such as farmers, to get a better understanding of how people may use that information in their decision making.
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Learning from El Niño as La Niña Odds Rise
Although El Niño is weakening, its ramifications continue to be felt around the world. Drought and resulting food insecurity is one of the major implications for southeast Asia, eastern and southern Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Sixty million are in need of emergency relief today, according to the United Nations.
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
