State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

plant evolution

  • In an Alpine Plant Species, Ancient Alleles May Help Drive Climate Change Adaptation

    In an Alpine Plant Species, Ancient Alleles May Help Drive Climate Change Adaptation

    Researchers found that two alleles in the wood pink plant species may allow the perennials to adapt to warming temperatures.

  • How Did Africa’s Grasslands Get Started?

    How Did Africa’s Grasslands Get Started?

    Millions of years ago, vegetation across much of the world underwent a transformation as grasses with a new way of doing photosynthesis displaced previously dominant plants, shrubs and trees. A new study examines what got these plants started, and why they spread so far and wide.

  • How Australia Got Planted

    How Australia Got Planted

    A new study has uncovered when and why the native vegetation that today dominates much of Australia first expanded across the continent.

  • Study Finds Genetic Clues to How Plants Adapt to Climate

    Study Finds Genetic Clues to How Plants Adapt to Climate

    Using supercomputers to analyze hundreds of thousands of genetic markers, scientists say they have found how a common weed uses its genetic code to adapt to changes in its environment such as cold and drought. The findings could help develop crops that are more adaptable to climate change.

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!

  • In an Alpine Plant Species, Ancient Alleles May Help Drive Climate Change Adaptation

    In an Alpine Plant Species, Ancient Alleles May Help Drive Climate Change Adaptation

    Researchers found that two alleles in the wood pink plant species may allow the perennials to adapt to warming temperatures.

  • How Did Africa’s Grasslands Get Started?

    How Did Africa’s Grasslands Get Started?

    Millions of years ago, vegetation across much of the world underwent a transformation as grasses with a new way of doing photosynthesis displaced previously dominant plants, shrubs and trees. A new study examines what got these plants started, and why they spread so far and wide.

  • How Australia Got Planted

    How Australia Got Planted

    A new study has uncovered when and why the native vegetation that today dominates much of Australia first expanded across the continent.

  • Study Finds Genetic Clues to How Plants Adapt to Climate

    Study Finds Genetic Clues to How Plants Adapt to Climate

    Using supercomputers to analyze hundreds of thousands of genetic markers, scientists say they have found how a common weed uses its genetic code to adapt to changes in its environment such as cold and drought. The findings could help develop crops that are more adaptable to climate change.