personal essays
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The Art of Catching a Bobcat
Chopped beaver and chilled urine. Shiny feather boas and smelly mating lures. The extreme lengths to which ecologists must go to catch an elusive animal.
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Watching My Dad Die With Optimism Changed My Outlook on Climate Change
His father’s positive attitude in the face of terminal illness has inspired Cascade Tuholske to apply the same optimism while studying climate change.
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My Experience Getting the COVID-19 Shot
A Sustainability Management instructor reflects on why she’s thrilled to get the coronavirus vaccine.
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Yes, You Do Know Someone Who Has Been Harmed by Systemic Racism
A Black student shares some of his negative interactions with the police, and explains why “silence equals death” is not an exaggeration.
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Reflections from Antarctica: A Landscape in Flux
Working as an Antarctic field scientist, I witnessed the destruction provoked by a rapidly warming planet. But I also found inspiration.
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
