State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

New York City18

  • For a Wind-Powered City, Heat Pumps Are Key

    For a Wind-Powered City, Heat Pumps Are Key

    Replacing conventional building boilers with electric heat pumps in New York City buildings could substantially increase the viability of renewable energy use in the city, according to a recent study from researchers from the Earth Institute’s Sustainable Engineering Lab.

  • Study: Reforming the Port Authority and the MTA

    Study: Reforming the Port Authority and the MTA

    Earth Institute students took a hard look into financial and administrative problems plaguing the MTA and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and came up with suggestions for more sustainable financing and more efficient operations.

  • Getting a Whiff of Climate Change

    Getting a Whiff of Climate Change

    Monday was the day when millions of people in New York and New Jersey learned what climate change smells like, or at least what one of its aromas is.

  • Using Technology for Development in NYC

    Using Technology for Development in NYC

    Very little has been discussed on how information and communication technologies can provide opportunity to middle and lower-income citizens in developed countries and cities, such as New York City and its five boroughs. New data released by the Census Bureau shows that even as the recession has ended, the city’s poverty rate continues to increase…

  • Con Ed Agrees to Climate Change Plan

    Con Ed Agrees to Climate Change Plan

    In a groundbreaking agreement, Consolidated Edison, one of New York’s major utility companies, will incorporate plans to protect the power system from the effects of climate change as part of a new multi-year rate plan.

  • Keeping our Freshwater Fresh: Ecosystem Management Tools

    Keeping our Freshwater Fresh: Ecosystem Management Tools

    We have been harming our hard-earned water resources; is it too late to clean up our act? With the help of the nine principles of ecology we can work towards effectively and sustainably managing these ecosystems, which will help us preserve the quality of New York’s freshwater resources and maintain our high quality drinking water.

  • Map: Where Are the Trashiest New Yorkers?

    Map: Where Are the Trashiest New Yorkers?

    No, not that kind of trashy – we’re talking here about what New York City neighborhoods produce the most municipal solid waste per person.

  • Author Elizabeth Kolbert Coming to Class

    Author Elizabeth Kolbert Coming to Class

    Author Elizabeth Kolbert, who writes about nature and the environment for The New Yorker, will talk about her new book, “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History,” at a special class on Feb. 10 at Columbia University.

  • Why Do We Run Hot and Cold on Climate Change?

    Why Do We Run Hot and Cold on Climate Change?

    People’s views on climate seem easily swayed, or in some cases manipulated, by daily weather. In a new study, researchers drilled into what goes on in people’s minds when they respond to these smaller-scale stimuli.

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

  • For a Wind-Powered City, Heat Pumps Are Key

    For a Wind-Powered City, Heat Pumps Are Key

    Replacing conventional building boilers with electric heat pumps in New York City buildings could substantially increase the viability of renewable energy use in the city, according to a recent study from researchers from the Earth Institute’s Sustainable Engineering Lab.

  • Study: Reforming the Port Authority and the MTA

    Study: Reforming the Port Authority and the MTA

    Earth Institute students took a hard look into financial and administrative problems plaguing the MTA and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and came up with suggestions for more sustainable financing and more efficient operations.

  • Getting a Whiff of Climate Change

    Getting a Whiff of Climate Change

    Monday was the day when millions of people in New York and New Jersey learned what climate change smells like, or at least what one of its aromas is.

  • Using Technology for Development in NYC

    Using Technology for Development in NYC

    Very little has been discussed on how information and communication technologies can provide opportunity to middle and lower-income citizens in developed countries and cities, such as New York City and its five boroughs. New data released by the Census Bureau shows that even as the recession has ended, the city’s poverty rate continues to increase…

  • Con Ed Agrees to Climate Change Plan

    Con Ed Agrees to Climate Change Plan

    In a groundbreaking agreement, Consolidated Edison, one of New York’s major utility companies, will incorporate plans to protect the power system from the effects of climate change as part of a new multi-year rate plan.

  • Keeping our Freshwater Fresh: Ecosystem Management Tools

    Keeping our Freshwater Fresh: Ecosystem Management Tools

    We have been harming our hard-earned water resources; is it too late to clean up our act? With the help of the nine principles of ecology we can work towards effectively and sustainably managing these ecosystems, which will help us preserve the quality of New York’s freshwater resources and maintain our high quality drinking water.

  • Map: Where Are the Trashiest New Yorkers?

    Map: Where Are the Trashiest New Yorkers?

    No, not that kind of trashy – we’re talking here about what New York City neighborhoods produce the most municipal solid waste per person.

  • Author Elizabeth Kolbert Coming to Class

    Author Elizabeth Kolbert Coming to Class

    Author Elizabeth Kolbert, who writes about nature and the environment for The New Yorker, will talk about her new book, “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History,” at a special class on Feb. 10 at Columbia University.

  • Why Do We Run Hot and Cold on Climate Change?

    Why Do We Run Hot and Cold on Climate Change?

    People’s views on climate seem easily swayed, or in some cases manipulated, by daily weather. In a new study, researchers drilled into what goes on in people’s minds when they respond to these smaller-scale stimuli.