hydropower
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Will New Areas Uncovered by Glacier Melt Boost Swiss Hydropower and Clean Energy Goals?
A Swiss government report reveals that efforts to locate major hydropower resources on land exposed by glacier retreat are entangled with ecological and legal challenges.
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Glacial Melting in High Mountain Asia Has the Potential to Overwhelm Hydropower Systems
Flooding in the region threatens hydropower projects and the safety of downstream populations.
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Global Review Assesses Hydropower’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
A new study analyzes the impacts of climate change and variations in water availability on the hydropower sector, a key source of cost-effective renewable energy for many countries around the world.
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Glacier Retreat in the Andes is Bankrupting a Billion Dollar Corporation
The developer of a controversial hydroelectric project in Chile has filed for bankruptcy, blaming Andean glacier retreat and droughts for low water flows.
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Kyrgyzstan Will Move Away From Coal to Hydropower by 2050
At COP26, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov made a statement about transitioning to an emission-free economy and the impact of climate change on the people of mountainous areas.
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Alum’s New Book Promotes Renewable Energy Literacy
Harness It, a book by MS in Sustainability Management alum Michael Ginsberg, details how renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid.
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The Glaciers Are Going
Glaciers around the world have retreated at unprecedented rates and some have disappeared altogether. The melting of glaciers will affect drinking water supplies, water needed to grow food and supply energy, as well as global sea levels.
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In Himalayas, Assessing Climate Threats to Ice, and Water Supply
Bhutan’s Melting Glaciers May Affect Farming, Hydropower, Floods

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

