State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

panama

  • Getting Warmer: Understanding Threats to Ocean Health

    Getting Warmer: Understanding Threats to Ocean Health

    Two Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory scientists affiliated with the Center for Climate and Life are leading research that examines some of the ways climate change affects the health of the ocean.

  • The Isthmus of Panama: Out of the Deep Earth

    The Isthmus of Panama: Out of the Deep Earth

    The creation of the narrow isthmus that joins North and South America changed not just the world map, but the circulation of oceans, the course of biologic evolution, and probably global climate. Scientists try to decipher the story behind its formation.

  • Photo Essay: Exploring the Rocks That Join the Americas

    Photo Essay: Exploring the Rocks That Join the Americas

    The formation of the slender land bridge that joins South America and North America was a pivotal event in earth’s history. At its narrowest along the isthmus of Panama, it changed not just the world map, but the circulation of oceans, the course of biologic evolution, and global climate. Cornelia Class, a geochemist at Columbia…

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!

  • Getting Warmer: Understanding Threats to Ocean Health

    Getting Warmer: Understanding Threats to Ocean Health

    Two Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory scientists affiliated with the Center for Climate and Life are leading research that examines some of the ways climate change affects the health of the ocean.

  • The Isthmus of Panama: Out of the Deep Earth

    The Isthmus of Panama: Out of the Deep Earth

    The creation of the narrow isthmus that joins North and South America changed not just the world map, but the circulation of oceans, the course of biologic evolution, and probably global climate. Scientists try to decipher the story behind its formation.

  • Photo Essay: Exploring the Rocks That Join the Americas

    Photo Essay: Exploring the Rocks That Join the Americas

    The formation of the slender land bridge that joins South America and North America was a pivotal event in earth’s history. At its narrowest along the isthmus of Panama, it changed not just the world map, but the circulation of oceans, the course of biologic evolution, and global climate. Cornelia Class, a geochemist at Columbia…