Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory8
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Tree Rings Reveal Hurricane Impacts and Emerging Sea-Level Stress in Coastal Forests
New research suggests that trees largely recover from storms within two years, and that coastal trees may be stressed from sea-level rise.
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In an Alpine Plant Species, Ancient Alleles May Help Drive Climate Change Adaptation
Researchers found that two alleles in the wood pink plant species may allow the perennials to adapt to warming temperatures.
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Sinking Land Drives Hidden Flood Risk in One of the World’s Most Populated Regions
A new study finds that land subsidence is outpacing ocean-driven sea-level rise along the northern coastline of Java Island, Indonesia.
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Two Sustainability Students See Opportunity Hidden in Laundry-Induced Microplastic Pollution
Students and faculty at Columbia’s M.S. in Sustainability Management and Sustainability Science programs turned cutting-edge research on microplastics into Moby Filter, a sustainability startup tackling laundry-induced pollution at its source.
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A Complicated Future for a Methane-Cleansing Molecule
A new model shows how levels of the “atmosphere’s detergent” may rise and fall in response to climate change.
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New Study Reveals Hidden “Chemical Currency” Fueling the Ocean’s Carbon Cycle
This research identifies a diverse set of molecules released by marine phytoplankton that fuel microbial life and help drive Earth’s carbon cycle.
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These Glacier Guardians Are Women
From a photography exhibit of a high-mountain community in the Peruvian Andes to leading research by Columbia scientists, a recent panel celebrated the knowledge and work of women in and around glaciers.
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Bringing Climate Research to New York City’s Classrooms
The NYC Mid-Winter Climate Institute brought together K-12 educators to identify meaningful entry points for climate education lessons in their classrooms and beyond.
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Earth’s “Missing” Billion Years: Study Links the Great Unconformity to Early Tectonics
New findings shed light on a widespread gap in the geologic record, where more than a billion years of Earth’s history appear to have been erased.

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
