Global Warming
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Climate Change Stopped the Next Ice Age
New research shows that 2,000 years ago, remnants of an Arctic ice sheet began growing again, marking the start of a new glacial period—what we commonly call an ice age. But by the 1960s, global warming had raised summer temperatures enough to reverse that growth.
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Increase in West Antarctic Ice Sheet Melting Inevitable in 21st Century
Significant ocean warming and associated ice-shelf melting is unavoidable, even under the most ambitious future climate scenario, according to new research.
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World Temperatures Will Blow Past Paris Goals This Decade, Asserts New Study
James Hansen warned the world in the 1980s that global warming was coming. Now, he is warning that it is barreling down even faster than expected.
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Closing Out Climate Week: Why 2 Degrees is Too High for the Cryosphere
Experts say that snow and ice loss will create conditions beyond the limits of adaptation for billions of people if climate warming reaches 2 degrees Celsius.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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
