State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

High-value natural resources

  • Wildlife: The Other High-Value Resource

    Wildlife: The Other High-Value Resource

    As wildlife trafficking has become more lucrative, widespread and organized over the past few years, the definition of high-value natural resources should be modified to include the commercial values of wildlife and its products.

  • The Criminalization of Anti-Mining Social Protest in Peru

    The Criminalization of Anti-Mining Social Protest in Peru

    In Africa, Asia and Latin America, the development of the mining industry has often been accompanied by violence and community-led social protest. To halt these protests, young democratic institutions have, in various cases, turned to authoritarian dogmas. Researcher Dr. Triscritti illustrates how in Peru these practices are decreasing the chances of reaching durable and peaceful…

  • Remembering Resource Interdependence

    Remembering Resource Interdependence

    Legislating revenue transparency injects fairness into resource equations, but it remains the map rather than the territory. The deeper dilemma is that we no longer have a language to describe the territory.

  • Mining for Peace in Sierra Leone

    Mining for Peace in Sierra Leone

    Risk factors for the decade-long war in Sierra Leone must be addressed before its abundant natural resources can be equitably exploited for economic growth.

  • High-Value Resources: The Other Side of the Coin

    High-Value Resources: The Other Side of the Coin

    High-value resources such as diamonds have been linked to civil conflict. But they can also contribute to promoting development in post-conflict countries. This possibility was explored during an all-day conference, “Identifying Lessons for Natural Resource Management in Post-Conflict Peace-building,” held at Columbia University on April 25.

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

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

  • Wildlife: The Other High-Value Resource

    Wildlife: The Other High-Value Resource

    As wildlife trafficking has become more lucrative, widespread and organized over the past few years, the definition of high-value natural resources should be modified to include the commercial values of wildlife and its products.

  • The Criminalization of Anti-Mining Social Protest in Peru

    The Criminalization of Anti-Mining Social Protest in Peru

    In Africa, Asia and Latin America, the development of the mining industry has often been accompanied by violence and community-led social protest. To halt these protests, young democratic institutions have, in various cases, turned to authoritarian dogmas. Researcher Dr. Triscritti illustrates how in Peru these practices are decreasing the chances of reaching durable and peaceful…

  • Remembering Resource Interdependence

    Remembering Resource Interdependence

    Legislating revenue transparency injects fairness into resource equations, but it remains the map rather than the territory. The deeper dilemma is that we no longer have a language to describe the territory.

  • Mining for Peace in Sierra Leone

    Mining for Peace in Sierra Leone

    Risk factors for the decade-long war in Sierra Leone must be addressed before its abundant natural resources can be equitably exploited for economic growth.

  • High-Value Resources: The Other Side of the Coin

    High-Value Resources: The Other Side of the Coin

    High-value resources such as diamonds have been linked to civil conflict. But they can also contribute to promoting development in post-conflict countries. This possibility was explored during an all-day conference, “Identifying Lessons for Natural Resource Management in Post-Conflict Peace-building,” held at Columbia University on April 25.