International Research Institute for Climate and Society31
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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A Famine Foretold
Climate and food security expert Jim Hansen lays out the root causes of food insecurity in East Africa.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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…
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
