State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

electronic waste

  • The Pandemic is a Reason to Preserve Not Pollute the Planet

    The Pandemic is a Reason to Preserve Not Pollute the Planet

    The pandemic should be teaching us the importance of public health, environmental protection and scientific analysis; which should lead us to preserve rather than pollute the planet.

  • What Can We Do About the Growing E-waste Problem?

    What Can We Do About the Growing E-waste Problem?

    In 2016, the world discarded 49 million tons of electronic waste, yet only 20 percent of it was recycled. Where does e-waste go? And how are we going to deal the growing amounts of it?

  • Tough Environmental Policy Question? Bring in the MPAs

    One hundred million personal computers were disposed of in 2004, and they are not benign — computers contain hazardous materials harmful to human health and the environment, and no policy exists to manage this e-waste. Is anyone working on this problem? Bring in the MPAs. This semester, a group studying to get their Masters’ in…

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

  • The Pandemic is a Reason to Preserve Not Pollute the Planet

    The Pandemic is a Reason to Preserve Not Pollute the Planet

    The pandemic should be teaching us the importance of public health, environmental protection and scientific analysis; which should lead us to preserve rather than pollute the planet.

  • What Can We Do About the Growing E-waste Problem?

    What Can We Do About the Growing E-waste Problem?

    In 2016, the world discarded 49 million tons of electronic waste, yet only 20 percent of it was recycled. Where does e-waste go? And how are we going to deal the growing amounts of it?

  • Tough Environmental Policy Question? Bring in the MPAs

    One hundred million personal computers were disposed of in 2004, and they are not benign — computers contain hazardous materials harmful to human health and the environment, and no policy exists to manage this e-waste. Is anyone working on this problem? Bring in the MPAs. This semester, a group studying to get their Masters’ in…