State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

marine protected areas

  • With Fulbright Grant, Alum Will Study Arctic Ocean Protection

    With Fulbright Grant, Alum Will Study Arctic Ocean Protection

    David Prieto, 2015 graduate of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management program, has been awarded a Fulbright-National Science Foundation Arctic Research Grant focused on interdisciplinary issues across the Arctic.

  • Can We Save Coral Reefs?

    Can We Save Coral Reefs?

    We are losing coral reefs at an alarming rate and scientists believe that with business as usual they will likely be gone by the end of the century. However, better local management, coupled with new research on coral reef resilience and adaptability, may help buy some time for these indispensable ecosystems.

  • UN Includes Comprehensive Oceans Goal in the Sustainable Development Goals

    UN Includes Comprehensive Oceans Goal in the Sustainable Development Goals

    The 12th Session of the UN Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (OWG SDG) will take place at the UN in New York City on June 16-20. An important opportunity is unfolding for the SDG process to contribute to the health and prosperity of our oceans and seas.

  • Combining Natural History Collections with Fisher Knowledge for Conservation in Fiji

    Combining Natural History Collections with Fisher Knowledge for Conservation in Fiji

    A team of researchers from Columbia University and the Republic of Fiji has found a unique and time-effective way to improve the design of marine protected areas in on coastal fisheries in Fiji—and, potentially, around the world. This method, which was used to assess a proposed temporary fishery closure in the village of Nagigi, Fiji,…

  • Healthy Oceans: Charting A New Course

    Healthy Oceans: Charting A New Course

    Leading up to Rio+20, on April 25th the United Nations hosted “Healthy Oceans: Charting A New Course,” a panel discussion which brought together a range of experts to discuss the fate of the world’s oceans and what can be done to protect them.

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

  • With Fulbright Grant, Alum Will Study Arctic Ocean Protection

    With Fulbright Grant, Alum Will Study Arctic Ocean Protection

    David Prieto, 2015 graduate of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management program, has been awarded a Fulbright-National Science Foundation Arctic Research Grant focused on interdisciplinary issues across the Arctic.

  • Can We Save Coral Reefs?

    Can We Save Coral Reefs?

    We are losing coral reefs at an alarming rate and scientists believe that with business as usual they will likely be gone by the end of the century. However, better local management, coupled with new research on coral reef resilience and adaptability, may help buy some time for these indispensable ecosystems.

  • UN Includes Comprehensive Oceans Goal in the Sustainable Development Goals

    UN Includes Comprehensive Oceans Goal in the Sustainable Development Goals

    The 12th Session of the UN Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals (OWG SDG) will take place at the UN in New York City on June 16-20. An important opportunity is unfolding for the SDG process to contribute to the health and prosperity of our oceans and seas.

  • Combining Natural History Collections with Fisher Knowledge for Conservation in Fiji

    Combining Natural History Collections with Fisher Knowledge for Conservation in Fiji

    A team of researchers from Columbia University and the Republic of Fiji has found a unique and time-effective way to improve the design of marine protected areas in on coastal fisheries in Fiji—and, potentially, around the world. This method, which was used to assess a proposed temporary fishery closure in the village of Nagigi, Fiji,…

  • Healthy Oceans: Charting A New Course

    Healthy Oceans: Charting A New Course

    Leading up to Rio+20, on April 25th the United Nations hosted “Healthy Oceans: Charting A New Course,” a panel discussion which brought together a range of experts to discuss the fate of the world’s oceans and what can be done to protect them.