State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

penguins

  • What Happens to Ecosystems When Antarctica’s Ice Melts?

    What Happens to Ecosystems When Antarctica’s Ice Melts?

    A special section in the October issue of BioScience featuring research by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory scientists examines the effects of intense melting on two Antarctic ecosystems, tracking impacts all the way from microbial food webs to shifting penguin populations.

  • Climate Is Changing Fast in West Antarctica

    Climate Is Changing Fast in West Antarctica

    Fast-rising temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula are having an impact on the ice and marine life, and providing clues about future ecosystem changes elsewhere.

  • Antarctica’s Wildlife in a Changing Climate

    Antarctica’s Wildlife in a Changing Climate

    We hear a lot about polar bears and other Arctic mammals in connection to climate change, but what about biodiversity in Antarctica?

  • Studies Find Climate Change to Disrupt Antarctic and Tropical Ecosystems

    Studies Find Climate Change to Disrupt Antarctic and Tropical Ecosystems

    A recent study finds that West Antarctica’s ecosystem is highly correlated to its climate. As a result, climate change will have a negative impact on its ecological relationships, from plankton to penguins. Antarctica isn’t alone – climate change will also affect tropical ocean ecosystems by causing mass coral bleaching.

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

  • What Happens to Ecosystems When Antarctica’s Ice Melts?

    What Happens to Ecosystems When Antarctica’s Ice Melts?

    A special section in the October issue of BioScience featuring research by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory scientists examines the effects of intense melting on two Antarctic ecosystems, tracking impacts all the way from microbial food webs to shifting penguin populations.

  • Climate Is Changing Fast in West Antarctica

    Climate Is Changing Fast in West Antarctica

    Fast-rising temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula are having an impact on the ice and marine life, and providing clues about future ecosystem changes elsewhere.

  • Antarctica’s Wildlife in a Changing Climate

    Antarctica’s Wildlife in a Changing Climate

    We hear a lot about polar bears and other Arctic mammals in connection to climate change, but what about biodiversity in Antarctica?

  • Studies Find Climate Change to Disrupt Antarctic and Tropical Ecosystems

    Studies Find Climate Change to Disrupt Antarctic and Tropical Ecosystems

    A recent study finds that West Antarctica’s ecosystem is highly correlated to its climate. As a result, climate change will have a negative impact on its ecological relationships, from plankton to penguins. Antarctica isn’t alone – climate change will also affect tropical ocean ecosystems by causing mass coral bleaching.