State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

gowanus canal

  • Toxic Legacies and Transformative Learning: MPA-ESP Students Explore the Gowanus Canal

    Toxic Legacies and Transformative Learning: MPA-ESP Students Explore the Gowanus Canal

    In June, a group of students stepped out of the classroom and into one of New York City’s most environmentally complex sites.

  • Dredging up New York City’s Glacial Memory

    Dredging up New York City’s Glacial Memory

    Glaciologist Elizabeth Case spoke to New Yorkers about the role glaciers have played in designing the city’s landscape.

  • Students Tour Gowanus Canal Superfund Site

    Students Tour Gowanus Canal Superfund Site

    With the help of local tour guides, Environmental Science and Policy students learned about the background and current state of one of the most contaminated sites in the country.

  • Nature’s Toxic Crusaders

    Nature’s Toxic Crusaders

    Can mushrooms help clean up oil spills? Can oysters filter sewage pollution? Industrial waste is being injected into the planet’s soil and water as a result of human activity. Pioneers in the field of conservation and sustainability are employing nature’s own biological task force to help clean up.

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

  • Toxic Legacies and Transformative Learning: MPA-ESP Students Explore the Gowanus Canal

    Toxic Legacies and Transformative Learning: MPA-ESP Students Explore the Gowanus Canal

    In June, a group of students stepped out of the classroom and into one of New York City’s most environmentally complex sites.

  • Dredging up New York City’s Glacial Memory

    Dredging up New York City’s Glacial Memory

    Glaciologist Elizabeth Case spoke to New Yorkers about the role glaciers have played in designing the city’s landscape.

  • Students Tour Gowanus Canal Superfund Site

    Students Tour Gowanus Canal Superfund Site

    With the help of local tour guides, Environmental Science and Policy students learned about the background and current state of one of the most contaminated sites in the country.

  • Nature’s Toxic Crusaders

    Nature’s Toxic Crusaders

    Can mushrooms help clean up oil spills? Can oysters filter sewage pollution? Industrial waste is being injected into the planet’s soil and water as a result of human activity. Pioneers in the field of conservation and sustainability are employing nature’s own biological task force to help clean up.