State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

flowers

  • Retreating Glaciers Threaten Herbs Used to Make Iconic Alpine Liqueurs

    Retreating Glaciers Threaten Herbs Used to Make Iconic Alpine Liqueurs

    As glaciers recede in the Italian Alps, a shift toward grasslands is threatening native herbs like Artemisia genipi, a key ingredient in the region’s traditional liqueurs.

  • Spring Sprang Early: Should We Worry?

    Spring Sprang Early: Should We Worry?

    While studies do show that flowers and other plants are blooming earlier on average because of warming trends, this year’s early fireworks were “certainly well within the realm of experience for the species native to this area,” says Robert Naczi of the New York Botanical Garden.

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

  • Retreating Glaciers Threaten Herbs Used to Make Iconic Alpine Liqueurs

    Retreating Glaciers Threaten Herbs Used to Make Iconic Alpine Liqueurs

    As glaciers recede in the Italian Alps, a shift toward grasslands is threatening native herbs like Artemisia genipi, a key ingredient in the region’s traditional liqueurs.

  • Spring Sprang Early: Should We Worry?

    Spring Sprang Early: Should We Worry?

    While studies do show that flowers and other plants are blooming earlier on average because of warming trends, this year’s early fireworks were “certainly well within the realm of experience for the species native to this area,” says Robert Naczi of the New York Botanical Garden.