explainers3
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You Asked: Should I Buy Biodegradable Materials If My Trash Just Goes to a Landfill?
Our expert says: It’s better than adding another piece of plastic to the problem.
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You Asked: When Will Polar Bears Go Extinct?
A recent study provides a rough timeline, but there’s still time to save them if we cut our carbon emissions.
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You Asked: What’s the Best Way To Talk About Climate Change?
Columbia scientists, journalists, and content creators answer some of the most frequently asked questions about climate communication.
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How Exactly Does Carbon Dioxide Cause Global Warming?
CO2 molecules make up only a small percentage of the atmosphere, but their impact on our climate is huge. The reason comes down to physics and chemistry.
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You Asked: Why Is it So Hard to Predict Volcanic Eruptions?
Volcanologist Einat Lev tackles reader questions and explains how more monitoring of volcanoes could save lives.
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You Asked: What Can We Do About Climate Tipping Points?
Climate scientist Radley Horton tackles questions about climate tipping points, and how we can tip the scales in a safer direction.
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You Asked: If the Science is Clear, Why Do We Need More Climate Research?
Climate scientist Gisela Winckler explains the link between climate science and solutions, and shares some of her research adventures.
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You Asked: How Does Carbon Dioxide Get So High Up Into the Atmosphere?
If CO2 is heavier than oxygen, why doesn’t it stay near the ground? The short answer: Earth’s atmosphere isn’t like a sealed bottle of wine.
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Lead Fallout From Notre Dame Fire Was Likely Overlooked
New study estimates that a ton of lead dust may have been deposited in parks, homes, and schools near the cathedral.
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
