State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

eutrophication

  • Growing Nitrogen Footprint Threatens Our Air, Water and Climate

    Growing Nitrogen Footprint Threatens Our Air, Water and Climate

    Industrial farming in the temperate climates has been seen as the main cause of nitrogen pollution, but tropical agriculture emissions are catching up.

  • When It Rains, It Pours: The Effects of Stormwater Runoff

    When It Rains, It Pours: The Effects of Stormwater Runoff

    Stormwater runoff can cause a lot of problems in aquatic ecosystems. Here’s how you can help mitigate those effects.

  • Just How Effective is Green Infrastructure?

    Just How Effective is Green Infrastructure?

    Over the next 18 years, New York City’s 2010 Green Infrastructure Plan will spend $2.4 billion on green infrastructure— green roofs, tree plantings, and increased vegetation— to combat coastal pollution. But how does green infrastructure work and how effective is it really?

  • Phosphorus: Essential to Life—Are We Running Out?

    Phosphorus: Essential to Life—Are We Running Out?

    Phosphorus is essential to human health and vital for food production. But are we using up phosphorus faster than we can economically extract it?

  • Why is Your Nitrogen Footprint Important?

    Why is Your Nitrogen Footprint Important?

    While most people today are aware of the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, far fewer understand the harmful effects of nitrogen pollution. Yet many scientists believe that man’s disruption of the natural nitrogen cycle is a potential global tipping point and a serious threat to biodiversity.

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

  • Growing Nitrogen Footprint Threatens Our Air, Water and Climate

    Growing Nitrogen Footprint Threatens Our Air, Water and Climate

    Industrial farming in the temperate climates has been seen as the main cause of nitrogen pollution, but tropical agriculture emissions are catching up.

  • When It Rains, It Pours: The Effects of Stormwater Runoff

    When It Rains, It Pours: The Effects of Stormwater Runoff

    Stormwater runoff can cause a lot of problems in aquatic ecosystems. Here’s how you can help mitigate those effects.

  • Just How Effective is Green Infrastructure?

    Just How Effective is Green Infrastructure?

    Over the next 18 years, New York City’s 2010 Green Infrastructure Plan will spend $2.4 billion on green infrastructure— green roofs, tree plantings, and increased vegetation— to combat coastal pollution. But how does green infrastructure work and how effective is it really?

  • Phosphorus: Essential to Life—Are We Running Out?

    Phosphorus: Essential to Life—Are We Running Out?

    Phosphorus is essential to human health and vital for food production. But are we using up phosphorus faster than we can economically extract it?

  • Why is Your Nitrogen Footprint Important?

    Why is Your Nitrogen Footprint Important?

    While most people today are aware of the importance of reducing their carbon footprint, far fewer understand the harmful effects of nitrogen pollution. Yet many scientists believe that man’s disruption of the natural nitrogen cycle is a potential global tipping point and a serious threat to biodiversity.