State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

invasive species

  • How Climate Change Drives the Spread of Invasive Plants

    How Climate Change Drives the Spread of Invasive Plants

    Abetted by warmer climes, non-native species can take root and wreak havoc in new environments. Is there anything we can do about them?

  • Return of the Natives

    Return of the Natives

    I can’t help but wish I could return to an age when North America was new to the European settlers, and they could observe this continent in its fully evolved state, with flora and fauna living nearly undisturbed by Homo sapiens.

  • What is Biodiversity and How Does Climate Change Affect It?

    What is Biodiversity and How Does Climate Change Affect It?

    In general, the more species that live in an area, the healthier that ecosystem is—and the better off we humans are.

  • The Catskill Watershed: a Story of Sacrifice and Cooperation

    The Catskill Watershed: a Story of Sacrifice and Cooperation

    It has become so easy for us here in NYC to turn on the tap without realizing the hardship, unimaginable sacrifices and money that have allowed us this incredible resource at the mere flick of a finger. We returned to the downstream end of the aqueducts with a newfound appreciation of the hard work we…

Colorful banner image over Earth with text "Open House Discover Science, October 19, 2024, 10am to 4pm

Join us on Saturday, October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House! Celebrate 75 years of science with us at our beautiful Palisades, NY campus. The event is free and open to everyone, with a suggested $5 donation. Learn More and RSVP

  • How Climate Change Drives the Spread of Invasive Plants

    How Climate Change Drives the Spread of Invasive Plants

    Abetted by warmer climes, non-native species can take root and wreak havoc in new environments. Is there anything we can do about them?

  • Return of the Natives

    Return of the Natives

    I can’t help but wish I could return to an age when North America was new to the European settlers, and they could observe this continent in its fully evolved state, with flora and fauna living nearly undisturbed by Homo sapiens.

  • What is Biodiversity and How Does Climate Change Affect It?

    What is Biodiversity and How Does Climate Change Affect It?

    In general, the more species that live in an area, the healthier that ecosystem is—and the better off we humans are.

  • The Catskill Watershed: a Story of Sacrifice and Cooperation

    The Catskill Watershed: a Story of Sacrifice and Cooperation

    It has become so easy for us here in NYC to turn on the tap without realizing the hardship, unimaginable sacrifices and money that have allowed us this incredible resource at the mere flick of a finger. We returned to the downstream end of the aqueducts with a newfound appreciation of the hard work we…