State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

innovation4

  • The U.S. Can Still Take the Lead in Clean Energy Investment

    The U.S. Can Still Take the Lead in Clean Energy Investment

    In order for clean energy investments to deliver on their full potential for our economy, national security, and wellbeing, we need to remember three things.

  • Alumni Startup Brings Pay-as-you-Go Solar Energy to Sierra Leone

    Alumni Startup Brings Pay-as-you-Go Solar Energy to Sierra Leone

    In Sierra Leone, only 1 percent of rural citizens have access to electricity. Easy Solar, founded by graduates of Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, hopes to change that.

  • Facilitating Science and Innovation in China

    Facilitating Science and Innovation in China

    Last week, representatives from Columbia University traveled to Tianjin Binhai, China to finalize a partnership with the Government of the Tianjin Binhai New Area. Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding as a first step in the development of a series of programs for research, education and executive training in the Tianjin Binhai New Area.

  • School-Business Partnerships Key to Job Training

    School-Business Partnerships Key to Job Training

    President Obama’s proposed American Jobs Act was presented to Congress this week. Included in the $447 billion jobs package is about $5 billion toward community college construction. Community colleges are uniquely positioned to provide workforce training and higher education.

  • Crossing Sectors, Growing Economies

    Crossing Sectors, Growing Economies

    Coordinating the resources of academia, government, non-profits and the private sector can promote industrial innovation and create jobs; it also can improve education, limit the spread of diseases and increase access to food.

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

  • The U.S. Can Still Take the Lead in Clean Energy Investment

    The U.S. Can Still Take the Lead in Clean Energy Investment

    In order for clean energy investments to deliver on their full potential for our economy, national security, and wellbeing, we need to remember three things.

  • Alumni Startup Brings Pay-as-you-Go Solar Energy to Sierra Leone

    Alumni Startup Brings Pay-as-you-Go Solar Energy to Sierra Leone

    In Sierra Leone, only 1 percent of rural citizens have access to electricity. Easy Solar, founded by graduates of Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, hopes to change that.

  • Facilitating Science and Innovation in China

    Facilitating Science and Innovation in China

    Last week, representatives from Columbia University traveled to Tianjin Binhai, China to finalize a partnership with the Government of the Tianjin Binhai New Area. Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding as a first step in the development of a series of programs for research, education and executive training in the Tianjin Binhai New Area.

  • School-Business Partnerships Key to Job Training

    School-Business Partnerships Key to Job Training

    President Obama’s proposed American Jobs Act was presented to Congress this week. Included in the $447 billion jobs package is about $5 billion toward community college construction. Community colleges are uniquely positioned to provide workforce training and higher education.

  • Crossing Sectors, Growing Economies

    Crossing Sectors, Growing Economies

    Coordinating the resources of academia, government, non-profits and the private sector can promote industrial innovation and create jobs; it also can improve education, limit the spread of diseases and increase access to food.