State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

plate tectonics5

  • Quakes Under Pacific Floor Reveal Unexpected Circulatory System

    Study Upsets Long-Held Image of Volcanism-Driven Hydrothermal Vents

  • Earth Institute Announces 2007-2008 Marie Tharp Fellows

    The Earth Institute at Columbia University is pleased to announce the 2007-2008 Marie Tharp Fellows — four women who are making noteworthy contributions to the study of the natural world. The 2007-2008 Marie Tharp Fellows are: Susan Capalbo, Director of the Big Sky Regional Partnership and Professor of Agricultural Economics, Montana State University; Sonya Dyhrman, Assistant Scientist,…

  • Remembered: Marie Tharp, Pioneering Mapmaker of the Ocean Floor

    Marie Tharp, a pathbreaking oceanographic cartographer at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, co-creator of the first global map of the ocean floor and co-discoverer of the central rift valley that runs through the Mid-Atlantic Ridge died Wednesday August 23 in Nyack Hospital. She was 86. A pioneer of modern oceanography, Tharp was the first to map…

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

  • Quakes Under Pacific Floor Reveal Unexpected Circulatory System

    Study Upsets Long-Held Image of Volcanism-Driven Hydrothermal Vents

  • Earth Institute Announces 2007-2008 Marie Tharp Fellows

    The Earth Institute at Columbia University is pleased to announce the 2007-2008 Marie Tharp Fellows — four women who are making noteworthy contributions to the study of the natural world. The 2007-2008 Marie Tharp Fellows are: Susan Capalbo, Director of the Big Sky Regional Partnership and Professor of Agricultural Economics, Montana State University; Sonya Dyhrman, Assistant Scientist,…

  • Remembered: Marie Tharp, Pioneering Mapmaker of the Ocean Floor

    Marie Tharp, a pathbreaking oceanographic cartographer at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, co-creator of the first global map of the ocean floor and co-discoverer of the central rift valley that runs through the Mid-Atlantic Ridge died Wednesday August 23 in Nyack Hospital. She was 86. A pioneer of modern oceanography, Tharp was the first to map…