Green Revolution
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Can We Feed Billions of Ourselves Without Wrecking the Planet?
A new Earth Institute primer lays out the basics of achieving sustainable agriculture on a global scale.
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Improving Seeds to Meet Future Challenges
Scientists and agronomists are racing to develop seeds that are higher yielding, more nutritious, and both drought and climate resilient to meet the challenge of feeding the world in the future.
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New Grants to Extend Reach of Africa’s Green Revolution
Earth Institute Projects to Help Farmers Boost Food Production
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Agriculture and its Discontents: Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In 1943, Norman Borlaug began his research into new varieties of wheat that could feed the burgeoning population of Mexico. Invited by the Mexican government and funded largely by international philanthropic organizations, Borlaug’s research began what we now refer to as the Green Revolution. Over the next 13 years, Mexico became agriculturally self-sufficient, and in…
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Punjab: A tale of prosperity and decline
The state of Punjab, located in the northwest part of the country, is known as the breadbasket of India. Punjab produces 20% of the nation’s wheat, 11% of its rice, and 11% of its cotton, from only 1.5% of its geographical area. Punjab is in trouble, however; groundwater is rapidly decreasing. Water levels have dropped…
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Global Food Crisis Golden Opportunity for African Farmers
“The global food crisis is the result of a perfect storm,” said Dr. Pedro Sanchez of the Earth Institute at an event in Nairobi on Thursday, April 24. “The diversion of land for biofuels, the increasing demand for feed grains and the drought in Australia have all contributed to the soaring food prices,” said Sanchez.…
AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More
