State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

ornithology

  • Birds, Ballasts, and the Fate of the Biosphere

    Birds, Ballasts, and the Fate of the Biosphere

    The Biosphere really needs its own newspaper. Yes, there are lots of newspapers out there, but when it comes to the Biosphere, important stories just don’t get the top billing they deserve. Take discoveries of new species, for example. Just in the last month, a new spoon worm, white toothed shrew, corpse flower, and tailorbird…

  • Crash Land Home for the Holidays

    Crash Land Home for the Holidays

    As holidays approach and we plan our ‘seasonal’ migrations to see our families, many other species are making their own migrations — though with a few more snafus than we humans might hit.

  • Cats and Wind Turbines – A Bird’s Two Greatest Fears

    Cats and Wind Turbines – A Bird’s Two Greatest Fears

    Studies find that cats and wind turbines are responsible for the death of many birds.

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!

  • Birds, Ballasts, and the Fate of the Biosphere

    Birds, Ballasts, and the Fate of the Biosphere

    The Biosphere really needs its own newspaper. Yes, there are lots of newspapers out there, but when it comes to the Biosphere, important stories just don’t get the top billing they deserve. Take discoveries of new species, for example. Just in the last month, a new spoon worm, white toothed shrew, corpse flower, and tailorbird…

  • Crash Land Home for the Holidays

    Crash Land Home for the Holidays

    As holidays approach and we plan our ‘seasonal’ migrations to see our families, many other species are making their own migrations — though with a few more snafus than we humans might hit.

  • Cats and Wind Turbines – A Bird’s Two Greatest Fears

    Cats and Wind Turbines – A Bird’s Two Greatest Fears

    Studies find that cats and wind turbines are responsible for the death of many birds.