State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Michela Biasutti

  • Study of Extreme Indian Rainfall Upends Conventional Wisdom

    Study of Extreme Indian Rainfall Upends Conventional Wisdom

    While El Niño often brings drought conditions to India, a new paper shows that it also increases the likelihood of devastating downpours in some of the country’s most heavily populated regions.

  • The Earth Is Getting Drier

    The Earth Is Getting Drier

    Desertification is occurring in many parts of the world, including the western U.S., Brazil, most of Europe, Asia and central Africa. Is it too late to reverse it?

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More

  • Study of Extreme Indian Rainfall Upends Conventional Wisdom

    Study of Extreme Indian Rainfall Upends Conventional Wisdom

    While El Niño often brings drought conditions to India, a new paper shows that it also increases the likelihood of devastating downpours in some of the country’s most heavily populated regions.

  • The Earth Is Getting Drier

    The Earth Is Getting Drier

    Desertification is occurring in many parts of the world, including the western U.S., Brazil, most of Europe, Asia and central Africa. Is it too late to reverse it?