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.

Collage of Turkiye beach scene and Columbia University Campus with text: UN Climate Change Conference COP31, Antalya, Turkiye, Nov 9-20, 2026

COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. 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.