Goddard Institute for Space Studies
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October Research Roundup: Select Papers
In this month’s research roundup, we explore how delayed climate action could trigger abrupt changes in the Arctic; what ancient ocean sediments reveal about carbon storage during the last ice age; how fiber-optic cables are improving earthquake monitoring at geothermal sites; and a new timeline of Earth’s magnetic reversals.
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Rocket Launches Are Proliferating. What Is This Doing to the Atmosphere?
What goes up in the form of rockets and their payloads must eventually come down in the form of launch emissions and objects falling out of orbit.
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2024 Confirmed As Hottest Year on Record, Part of Sustained Upward March
Earth’s temperature exceeded the previous record set in 2023.
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American Geophysical Union 2024: Key Research From Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School
Some of the most newsworthy presentations at the world’s largest yearly gathering of earth and space scientists.
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Can ‘Super Volcanoes’ Cool the Earth in a Major Way? A New Study Suggests No.
An extended volcanic winter could have huge impacts on all living creatures. But could this really happen?
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American Geophysical Union 2023: Key Research From the Columbia Climate School
A guide to notable research to be presented at the world’s largest gathering of earth and space scientists.
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2022 Tied for Fifth Warmest Year
Last year saw a continuation of the long-term rise in the planet’s average temperature.
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Solar Energy Explains Fast Yearly Retreat of Southern Ocean Sea Ice
Sea ice in the Southern Ocean retreats each year much faster than it develops. This has puzzled scientists, but the explanation turns out to be simple.
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Scientists Find Surprisingly Stable Carbon Uptake by Land and Oceans From Air
Estimates that predate satellite imagery fill in a missing link and imply that oceans and land have been removing carbon from the air more efficiently than previously thought.

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
