State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

International Research Institute for Climate and Society31

  • Now is the Time for Climate Services

    Now is the Time for Climate Services

    Last week, IRI organized a conference that brought together nearly 100 individuals from 30 countries to discuss the state and future of international climate services. What was discussed and what were the outcomes?

  • Welcome Back, La Niña

    Welcome Back, La Niña

    The components of La Niña are getting ready to tango. But will their performance break any climate records this time around?

  • Climate Information, Meet Public Health Problems

    Climate Information, Meet Public Health Problems

    IRI convened the fourth Summer Institute on Climate Information for Public Health. How did it help bring the two fields closer together?

  • Insuring Against Drought

    Insuring Against Drought

    Research economist Dan Osgood discusses index insurance and how it is helping some poor rural communities reduce hardships caused by drought in East Africa.

  • A Famine Foretold

    A Famine Foretold

    Climate and food security expert Jim Hansen lays out the root causes of food insecurity in East Africa.

  • Fears of a Double Dip…La Niña

    Fears of a Double Dip…La Niña

    You’d be forgiven for thinking its 2008 and not just because of the economic uncertainty. Is there a dreaded double dip La Niña in store, too?

  • Remote Sensing Critical for Monitoring Drought

    Remote Sensing Critical for Monitoring Drought

    Remote sensing scientist Pietro Ceccato talks about how satellite information is being used to monitor conditions in East Africa.

  • Climate Underpinnings of East Africa Drought

    Climate Underpinnings of East Africa Drought

    Watch a video interview of climate scientist Brad Lyon on the conditions leading up to the ongoing drought in East Africa. He says there’s a chance of La Niña forming later in the year, which could have devastating consequences for a region already plagued by widespread famine.

  • The Role of Drought in the Horn of Africa Famine

    The Role of Drought in the Horn of Africa Famine

    Let’s get this out of the way. The current famine in the Horn of Africa isn’t caused by drought. Rather, a complex mix of societal and political factors created a dangerous situation. The worst drought in 60 years (pdf) is what pushed that situation over the edge into a humanitarian crisis. However, just as these…

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!

  • Now is the Time for Climate Services

    Now is the Time for Climate Services

    Last week, IRI organized a conference that brought together nearly 100 individuals from 30 countries to discuss the state and future of international climate services. What was discussed and what were the outcomes?

  • Welcome Back, La Niña

    Welcome Back, La Niña

    The components of La Niña are getting ready to tango. But will their performance break any climate records this time around?

  • Climate Information, Meet Public Health Problems

    Climate Information, Meet Public Health Problems

    IRI convened the fourth Summer Institute on Climate Information for Public Health. How did it help bring the two fields closer together?

  • Insuring Against Drought

    Insuring Against Drought

    Research economist Dan Osgood discusses index insurance and how it is helping some poor rural communities reduce hardships caused by drought in East Africa.

  • A Famine Foretold

    A Famine Foretold

    Climate and food security expert Jim Hansen lays out the root causes of food insecurity in East Africa.

  • Fears of a Double Dip…La Niña

    Fears of a Double Dip…La Niña

    You’d be forgiven for thinking its 2008 and not just because of the economic uncertainty. Is there a dreaded double dip La Niña in store, too?

  • Remote Sensing Critical for Monitoring Drought

    Remote Sensing Critical for Monitoring Drought

    Remote sensing scientist Pietro Ceccato talks about how satellite information is being used to monitor conditions in East Africa.

  • Climate Underpinnings of East Africa Drought

    Climate Underpinnings of East Africa Drought

    Watch a video interview of climate scientist Brad Lyon on the conditions leading up to the ongoing drought in East Africa. He says there’s a chance of La Niña forming later in the year, which could have devastating consequences for a region already plagued by widespread famine.

  • The Role of Drought in the Horn of Africa Famine

    The Role of Drought in the Horn of Africa Famine

    Let’s get this out of the way. The current famine in the Horn of Africa isn’t caused by drought. Rather, a complex mix of societal and political factors created a dangerous situation. The worst drought in 60 years (pdf) is what pushed that situation over the edge into a humanitarian crisis. However, just as these…