Global Warming Archives - State of the Planet

Three researchers sit in front of a slideshow with a glacier image.

Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels: Why 2 Degrees Celsius Is Too High

At a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change side event in early June, representatives from several countries discussed the urgent need to address global loss of water and sea-level rise.

by Amy Imdieke |June 12, 2023
An iceberg in the Arctic with underside visible

Montreal Protocol Is Delaying First Ice-Free Arctic Summer

New research from Columbia climate scientists shows that the 1987 ozone treaty, designed to protect the ozone layer, has postponed the occurrence of the first ice-free Arctic by as much as 15 years.

by Holly Evarts |May 25, 2023

In Continuing Trend, 2021 Tied for 6th Warmest Year on Modern Record

The past eight years are the warmest since modern record keeping began in 1880.

by |January 13, 2022

How Close Are We to Climate Tipping Points?

Will overshooting 1.5°C of warming push us over climate tipping points, triggering irreversible and abrupt changes?

by |November 11, 2021

Scientists and Native People Jointly Study Sea-Ice Declines Threatening Seal Hunts

Seals have been a staple for the coastal village of Kotzebue for generations. Rapid changes in sea ice driven by ocean warmth are presenting a challenge for hunters.

by |October 14, 2021

Upcoming Scientific Fieldwork: 2021 and Beyond

Earth Institute researchers are in the field studying the dynamics of the planet on every continent and every ocean. Here is a list of projects.

by |August 24, 2021

More Carbon Emissions Will Kill More People. Here’s How Many.

Current methods to calculate the so-called social cost of carbon largely leave out how many future people our emissions will kill. This study tries to correct that.

by |July 29, 2021

Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory: Milestones in Climate Science

Much of the modern understanding of climate change is underpinned by pioneering studies done at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Here’s a timeline of significant studies.

by |July 9, 2021
An image captured through a microscope shows two tiny fungi who look like people with long long limbs doing jumping jacks.

Glacier Melt Leads to Increased Carbon Dioxide Levels Due to These Tiny Fungi

New research links reduced glacier cover to higher rates of fungal decomposition of organic material. If these rates continue to rise, it could further disrupt the carbon cycle.

by |April 30, 2021

Landmark Program Joins Investors With Scientists to Confront Climate Change

A major firm will facilitate the engagement of commercial enterprise with the university’s global climate and sustainability research.

by |April 28, 2021