State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

methane2

  • COVID-19 Policy Could Lead to a Spike in Methane Emissions

    COVID-19 Policy Could Lead to a Spike in Methane Emissions

    The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has announced that during the COVID-19 pandemic it will “exercise discretion” in enforcing natural gas pipeline safety regulations.

  • Could 2020 Determine Fracking’s Future?

    Could 2020 Determine Fracking’s Future?

    With mounting evidence of health and environmental impacts, fracking faces opposition from many of the leading Democratic candidates for president.

  • You Asked: Should We All Go Vegetarian or Vegan to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint?

    You Asked: Should We All Go Vegetarian or Vegan to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint?

    Short answer: Moderation is key.

  • Why Thawing Permafrost Matters

    Why Thawing Permafrost Matters

    As the Arctic warms, the unfreezing of permafrost poses a threat to the planet.

  • Roving the Abyss: It Takes a Team

    Roving the Abyss: It Takes a Team

    Bridgit’s first mission with the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Sentry was a rousing success, including locating a patch of seafloor where methane is bubbling up.

  • The Fracking Facts

    The Fracking Facts

    Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the controversial method for extracting natural gas, has become a hot button issue across the U.S. But let’s try to look objectively at its benefits and risks.

  • U.S., 5 Nations to Cut Methane, Soot Emissions

    U.S., 5 Nations to Cut Methane, Soot Emissions

    The United States and five other countries agreed this week to fund an effort to cut emissions of methane, soot and other pollutants to start to slow the rate of human-induced climate change.

  • Agriculture and its Discontents: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

    In 1943, Norman Borlaug began his research into new varieties of wheat that could feed the burgeoning population of Mexico.  Invited by the Mexican government and funded largely by international philanthropic organizations, Borlaug’s research began what we now refer to as the Green Revolution. Over the next 13 years, Mexico became agriculturally self-sufficient, and in…

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • COVID-19 Policy Could Lead to a Spike in Methane Emissions

    COVID-19 Policy Could Lead to a Spike in Methane Emissions

    The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has announced that during the COVID-19 pandemic it will “exercise discretion” in enforcing natural gas pipeline safety regulations.

  • Could 2020 Determine Fracking’s Future?

    Could 2020 Determine Fracking’s Future?

    With mounting evidence of health and environmental impacts, fracking faces opposition from many of the leading Democratic candidates for president.

  • You Asked: Should We All Go Vegetarian or Vegan to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint?

    You Asked: Should We All Go Vegetarian or Vegan to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint?

    Short answer: Moderation is key.

  • Why Thawing Permafrost Matters

    Why Thawing Permafrost Matters

    As the Arctic warms, the unfreezing of permafrost poses a threat to the planet.

  • Roving the Abyss: It Takes a Team

    Roving the Abyss: It Takes a Team

    Bridgit’s first mission with the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Sentry was a rousing success, including locating a patch of seafloor where methane is bubbling up.

  • The Fracking Facts

    The Fracking Facts

    Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, the controversial method for extracting natural gas, has become a hot button issue across the U.S. But let’s try to look objectively at its benefits and risks.

  • U.S., 5 Nations to Cut Methane, Soot Emissions

    U.S., 5 Nations to Cut Methane, Soot Emissions

    The United States and five other countries agreed this week to fund an effort to cut emissions of methane, soot and other pollutants to start to slow the rate of human-induced climate change.

  • Agriculture and its Discontents: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

    In 1943, Norman Borlaug began his research into new varieties of wheat that could feed the burgeoning population of Mexico.  Invited by the Mexican government and funded largely by international philanthropic organizations, Borlaug’s research began what we now refer to as the Green Revolution. Over the next 13 years, Mexico became agriculturally self-sufficient, and in…