State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

NYC3

  • Governing New York City

    Governing New York City

    It would be terrific if the next mayor leveled with us and recruited all New Yorkers to be part of a real effort at community building. Perhaps we might finally respond to this tale of two cities, and lift all of the city’s children out of poverty.

  • It’s Time to Invest in New York City’s Parks

    It’s Time to Invest in New York City’s Parks

    The Biden administration is gearing up for a major effort to rebuild our old and decaying infrastructure: to invest in the economic well-being of all Americans. Let’s make sure New York’s parks are included.

  • The Next New York City

    The Next New York City

    If we are successful in modernizing our economy and greening our infrastructure, and if we do this in a way that expands opportunity, then New York City should seamlessly regain its symbolic and actual place in our economy and in our consciousness.

  • Reviving New York City

    Reviving New York City

    My hope is that when we elect our new mayor during the June Democratic primary, we elect a leader who is ready to ask all of us “not what New York City can do for us, but what we can do for New York City.”

  • Remembering the Honorable David Dinkins

    Remembering the Honorable David Dinkins

    David Dinkins made us stronger, but he also made us and our city better, and we should honor his memory in this difficult time by rededicating ourselves to public service.

  • Institutionalizing Sustainability in New York City Government

    Institutionalizing Sustainability in New York City Government

    Since the city’s term-limited mayor will be replaced by someone else, how do we assure that sustainability policy will continue to be implemented?

  • Urbanization is Cutting Off Life Support to NYC’s Wetlands

    Urbanization is Cutting Off Life Support to NYC’s Wetlands

    New study reveals surprising facts behind a shrinking wetland, and suggests remedies.

  • Tracking Respiratory Infections in NYC, With or Without Symptoms

    Tracking Respiratory Infections in NYC, With or Without Symptoms

    There’s a lot we don’t know about respiratory viruses and how they spread. A study currently underway seeks to unravel these mysteries, in part by studying people who are healthy enough to be walking around in Manhattan.

  • NYC is Suing Five Major Oil Companies Over Climate Change

    NYC is Suing Five Major Oil Companies Over Climate Change

    Columbia University expert weighs in on the potential impacts of the lawsuit.

Colorful icons representing nature, sustainable living, and renewable energy with text "Earth Day 2026"

The first Earth Day in 1970 ignited a movement to stop polluting our planet. Today, our scientists and experts are tackling the most pressing challenges to achieve real-world impact. This Earth Day, join us in our commitment to realizing a just and sustainable future for our planet. Visit our Earth Day website for ideas, resources, and inspiration.

  • Governing New York City

    Governing New York City

    It would be terrific if the next mayor leveled with us and recruited all New Yorkers to be part of a real effort at community building. Perhaps we might finally respond to this tale of two cities, and lift all of the city’s children out of poverty.

  • It’s Time to Invest in New York City’s Parks

    It’s Time to Invest in New York City’s Parks

    The Biden administration is gearing up for a major effort to rebuild our old and decaying infrastructure: to invest in the economic well-being of all Americans. Let’s make sure New York’s parks are included.

  • The Next New York City

    The Next New York City

    If we are successful in modernizing our economy and greening our infrastructure, and if we do this in a way that expands opportunity, then New York City should seamlessly regain its symbolic and actual place in our economy and in our consciousness.

  • Reviving New York City

    Reviving New York City

    My hope is that when we elect our new mayor during the June Democratic primary, we elect a leader who is ready to ask all of us “not what New York City can do for us, but what we can do for New York City.”

  • Remembering the Honorable David Dinkins

    Remembering the Honorable David Dinkins

    David Dinkins made us stronger, but he also made us and our city better, and we should honor his memory in this difficult time by rededicating ourselves to public service.

  • Institutionalizing Sustainability in New York City Government

    Institutionalizing Sustainability in New York City Government

    Since the city’s term-limited mayor will be replaced by someone else, how do we assure that sustainability policy will continue to be implemented?

  • Urbanization is Cutting Off Life Support to NYC’s Wetlands

    Urbanization is Cutting Off Life Support to NYC’s Wetlands

    New study reveals surprising facts behind a shrinking wetland, and suggests remedies.

  • Tracking Respiratory Infections in NYC, With or Without Symptoms

    Tracking Respiratory Infections in NYC, With or Without Symptoms

    There’s a lot we don’t know about respiratory viruses and how they spread. A study currently underway seeks to unravel these mysteries, in part by studying people who are healthy enough to be walking around in Manhattan.

  • NYC is Suing Five Major Oil Companies Over Climate Change

    NYC is Suing Five Major Oil Companies Over Climate Change

    Columbia University expert weighs in on the potential impacts of the lawsuit.