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.

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • 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.