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!

Overhead view of Columbia campus with text Columbia Climate School Class Day 2026: Congratulations Graduates

Congratulations to our Columbia Climate School Class of 2026 and all of our 2026 Columbia University graduates! Learn more about our May 15 Climate School Class Day celebration. 💙 #Columbia2026 #ColumbiaClimate2026

  • 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!