State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

magnetic fields

  • In Ancient Rocks, Scientists See a Climate Cycle Working Across Deep Time

    In Ancient Rocks, Scientists See a Climate Cycle Working Across Deep Time

    A gradual shift in Earth’s orbit that repeats every 405,000 years plays a role in natural climate swings.

  • When North Itself Wanders

    When North Itself Wanders

    I love thinking about why my compass points north. The deep, molten-metal motions, rising And falling … gargantuan currents of iron Conceiving vast magnetic fields, revealed In my hand, by a tiny, quivering red needle.

  • Solar Heartbeat

    Solar Heartbeat

    Upon our little spinning rock, Cosmic rays and debris knock. Through great fields and waves we race, Not empty, our broad path through space!

Collage of Turkiye beach scene and Columbia University Campus with text: UN Climate Change Conference COP31, Antalya, Turkiye, Nov 9-20, 2026

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

  • In Ancient Rocks, Scientists See a Climate Cycle Working Across Deep Time

    In Ancient Rocks, Scientists See a Climate Cycle Working Across Deep Time

    A gradual shift in Earth’s orbit that repeats every 405,000 years plays a role in natural climate swings.

  • When North Itself Wanders

    When North Itself Wanders

    I love thinking about why my compass points north. The deep, molten-metal motions, rising And falling … gargantuan currents of iron Conceiving vast magnetic fields, revealed In my hand, by a tiny, quivering red needle.

  • Solar Heartbeat

    Solar Heartbeat

    Upon our little spinning rock, Cosmic rays and debris knock. Through great fields and waves we race, Not empty, our broad path through space!