State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

MPA in Environmental Science and Policy News13

  • Student Profile: Chelsea McGimpsey

    Student Profile: Chelsea McGimpsey

    After studying Zoology and Environmental Science as an undergrad at Miami University, Chelsea McGimpsey worked in a variety of capacities in the field of animal conservation. Chelsea hopes to combine her conservation experience with her new education in policy and management in order to implement environmental change where it is needed the most.

  • Apply Now for Environmental Science and Policy Fellowship

    Apply Now for Environmental Science and Policy Fellowship

    The Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy is pleased to announce, for the second year, the Dean’s Environmental Science and Policy Fellowship. Created in 2014, it was the first full tuition grant made in the program’s 13-year history. All prospective students who apply to the program by Jan. 15, 2016, will be…

  • Student Profile: Andrew Cummings

    Student Profile: Andrew Cummings

    For Andrew Cummings, the MPA ESP program is providing him the opportunity to marry science and policy with the experience he gained as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Burkina Faso. Cummings credits his experience as a volunteer for giving him the skills he needs to succeed in a fast-paced environment.

  • MPA Students Take Their Learning Outdoors

    MPA Students Take Their Learning Outdoors

    As part of their Urban Ecology course, students in the MPA-ESP program take part in a series of field trips, applying classroom learning to real-world issues. From hiking to the top of a landfill reclamation site, to paddling the murky waters of the Bronx River, students were immersed in the challenges and complexities associated with…

  • Research Assistant Openings for Grad Students

    Research Assistant Openings for Grad Students

    The Research Program on Sustainability Policy and Management at the Earth Institute is seeking several graduate-level research assistants for fall 2015, to assist with the program’s various research projects. Read more about the various openings for research in sustainability metrics, sustainable finance, sustainable tourism, and ecosystem services. Applications due August 14, 2015.

  • MPA Alum Focuses Efforts on Marine Protection

    MPA Alum Focuses Efforts on Marine Protection

    Annlyn McPhie, a 2013 graduate of the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program, is applying her scientific knowledge and management skills to managing Marine Protected Areas in her native Grenada. Annlyn is working to shape the future leaders of Grenada into environmentally conscious citizens through educational programs.

  • Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Hosts New MPA Students

    Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Hosts New MPA Students

    On Monday, June 22, the newest Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science & Policy (MPA-ESP) candidates spent a beautiful, sunny day touring Columbia’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, just a short bus ride away in Palisades, NY. Led by Environmental Chemistry professor Benjamin Bostick and Climatology professor Jason Smerdon, the students were exposed to many different…

  • MPA Program Congratulates Graduates, Welcomes 52 New Students

    MPA Program Congratulates Graduates, Welcomes 52 New Students

    The MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program is proud to congratulate the 59 members of the Class of 2015 who graduated from the School of International and Public Affairs on May 21 and welcomed 52 new students only five days later on May 26.

  • Preserving the Origins of Environmental Law for a New Generation of Leaders

    Preserving the Origins of Environmental Law for a New Generation of Leaders

    In fall 2014, Columbia University, through the School of International and Public Affairs, the School of Continuing Education and the Earth Institute, offered a never-before-taught class on “The Origins of Environmental Law.” While many courses teach the fundamentals of environmental law, this course spoke to the people and politics behind the creation of the legislation.…

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

  • Student Profile: Chelsea McGimpsey

    Student Profile: Chelsea McGimpsey

    After studying Zoology and Environmental Science as an undergrad at Miami University, Chelsea McGimpsey worked in a variety of capacities in the field of animal conservation. Chelsea hopes to combine her conservation experience with her new education in policy and management in order to implement environmental change where it is needed the most.

  • Apply Now for Environmental Science and Policy Fellowship

    Apply Now for Environmental Science and Policy Fellowship

    The Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy is pleased to announce, for the second year, the Dean’s Environmental Science and Policy Fellowship. Created in 2014, it was the first full tuition grant made in the program’s 13-year history. All prospective students who apply to the program by Jan. 15, 2016, will be…

  • Student Profile: Andrew Cummings

    Student Profile: Andrew Cummings

    For Andrew Cummings, the MPA ESP program is providing him the opportunity to marry science and policy with the experience he gained as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Burkina Faso. Cummings credits his experience as a volunteer for giving him the skills he needs to succeed in a fast-paced environment.

  • MPA Students Take Their Learning Outdoors

    MPA Students Take Their Learning Outdoors

    As part of their Urban Ecology course, students in the MPA-ESP program take part in a series of field trips, applying classroom learning to real-world issues. From hiking to the top of a landfill reclamation site, to paddling the murky waters of the Bronx River, students were immersed in the challenges and complexities associated with…

  • Research Assistant Openings for Grad Students

    Research Assistant Openings for Grad Students

    The Research Program on Sustainability Policy and Management at the Earth Institute is seeking several graduate-level research assistants for fall 2015, to assist with the program’s various research projects. Read more about the various openings for research in sustainability metrics, sustainable finance, sustainable tourism, and ecosystem services. Applications due August 14, 2015.

  • MPA Alum Focuses Efforts on Marine Protection

    MPA Alum Focuses Efforts on Marine Protection

    Annlyn McPhie, a 2013 graduate of the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program, is applying her scientific knowledge and management skills to managing Marine Protected Areas in her native Grenada. Annlyn is working to shape the future leaders of Grenada into environmentally conscious citizens through educational programs.

  • Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Hosts New MPA Students

    Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Hosts New MPA Students

    On Monday, June 22, the newest Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science & Policy (MPA-ESP) candidates spent a beautiful, sunny day touring Columbia’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, just a short bus ride away in Palisades, NY. Led by Environmental Chemistry professor Benjamin Bostick and Climatology professor Jason Smerdon, the students were exposed to many different…

  • MPA Program Congratulates Graduates, Welcomes 52 New Students

    MPA Program Congratulates Graduates, Welcomes 52 New Students

    The MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program is proud to congratulate the 59 members of the Class of 2015 who graduated from the School of International and Public Affairs on May 21 and welcomed 52 new students only five days later on May 26.

  • Preserving the Origins of Environmental Law for a New Generation of Leaders

    Preserving the Origins of Environmental Law for a New Generation of Leaders

    In fall 2014, Columbia University, through the School of International and Public Affairs, the School of Continuing Education and the Earth Institute, offered a never-before-taught class on “The Origins of Environmental Law.” While many courses teach the fundamentals of environmental law, this course spoke to the people and politics behind the creation of the legislation.…