Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory5
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Wildfire Smoke Returns: What to Know About This Week’s Air Quality
Air pollution expert Dan Westervelt discusses this summer’s wildfires and resulting air quality in New York City and beyond.
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Study Reveals How Gas Bubbles Shaped Kīlauea’s 2018 Lava Flow
New research shows that gas bubbles played a central role in controlling how fast and far the lava traveled, and that lava flow models need to account for bubbles to more accurately forecast where lava will stop.
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Massive Calving Episode in Greenland May Foreshadow More Rapid Ice Sheet Loss
Researchers studying a lake drainage event in Greenland determined that large amounts of meltwater can lead to massive glacier calving events and accelerate ice sheet loss.
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Extreme Heat Is Here: What Columbia Climate School Experts Want You to Know
As a dangerous early-summer heat wave covers swaths of the globe, Columbia Climate School experts discuss the impacts of extreme heat.
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New U.N. Resolution Urges Member States to Act for Glacier Preservation
The resolution, spearheaded by Tajikistan (along with Peru and Bhutan), marks a historic first for Central Asia. It emphasizes the importance of Indigenous populations affected by glacier loss.
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Life Aboard the Langseth: A Q&A With Chief Science Officer Cody Bahlau
On Columbia’s global research vessel, the R/V Marcus G. Langseth, Bahlau serves as the key link between scientists, crewmembers and operations on shore.
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June Research Roundup: Select Papers
In this month’s edition of our research roundup, we highlight a new study on African air pollution; deep Earth carbon recycling; and a Pacific cooling mystery.
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Carbon Dioxide and Water Played Key Roles in Historic Mount Etna Eruptions
Understanding these dynamics can help geologists assess the risk of future eruptions.
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New Research Indicates That in the Future, Trees May Store Less Carbon Than Expected
Even as trees photosynthesize late into the year, their growth stops by mid-summer, which impacts their carbon uptake.

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
