State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

extinction2

  • Some Do Not Like It Hot

    Some Do Not Like It Hot

    The Great Dying, The Big One — The Permo-Triassic! (In a time machine, not sure if that’s where I’d aim …) As extinctions go, this one’s a blockbuster classic, When most of Earth’s species dropped out of the game.

  • Extinction Exposed – The Giant Panda

    Extinction Exposed – The Giant Panda

    Captive breeding and species protection are helping the panda recover, but fewer than two thousand still remain.

  • Extinction Exposed – The Sea Otter

    Extinction Exposed – The Sea Otter

    Despite being a keystone species in important ecosystems that span the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean, sea otters have historically had a complex and sometimes troubling relationship with humans.

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • Some Do Not Like It Hot

    Some Do Not Like It Hot

    The Great Dying, The Big One — The Permo-Triassic! (In a time machine, not sure if that’s where I’d aim …) As extinctions go, this one’s a blockbuster classic, When most of Earth’s species dropped out of the game.

  • Extinction Exposed – The Giant Panda

    Extinction Exposed – The Giant Panda

    Captive breeding and species protection are helping the panda recover, but fewer than two thousand still remain.

  • Extinction Exposed – The Sea Otter

    Extinction Exposed – The Sea Otter

    Despite being a keystone species in important ecosystems that span the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean, sea otters have historically had a complex and sometimes troubling relationship with humans.