State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

polar bears

  • During Low-Ice Seasons, Some Polar Bears Are Turning to Glacier Ice

    During Low-Ice Seasons, Some Polar Bears Are Turning to Glacier Ice

    As warming temperatures melt Arctic sea ice, glaciers act as supplemental habitat for a group of southeast Greenland polar bears looking to hunt during the low-ice season.

  • You Asked: When Will Polar Bears Go Extinct?

    You Asked: When Will Polar Bears Go Extinct?

    A recent study provides a rough timeline, but there’s still time to save them if we cut our carbon emissions.

  • Diminishing Ice Intensifies Spotlight on Arctic

    Diminishing Ice Intensifies Spotlight on Arctic

    As the arctic region loses ice in a changing climate, the economic and social tradeoffs are unclear. How will we balance economic, social and environmental functions? The Center on Global Energy Policy and the Consulate General of Canada in New York will examine these questions in a discussion on March 26: “Understanding the Arctic Resource…

  • Arctic Archipelago: Ground Zero For Climate Change

    Arctic Archipelago: Ground Zero For Climate Change

    Summer temperatures on the archipelago of Svalbard, 400 miles north of Norway, are now higher than at any other period in the last 1,800 years, according to a new study in the journal Geology.

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

  • During Low-Ice Seasons, Some Polar Bears Are Turning to Glacier Ice

    During Low-Ice Seasons, Some Polar Bears Are Turning to Glacier Ice

    As warming temperatures melt Arctic sea ice, glaciers act as supplemental habitat for a group of southeast Greenland polar bears looking to hunt during the low-ice season.

  • You Asked: When Will Polar Bears Go Extinct?

    You Asked: When Will Polar Bears Go Extinct?

    A recent study provides a rough timeline, but there’s still time to save them if we cut our carbon emissions.

  • Diminishing Ice Intensifies Spotlight on Arctic

    Diminishing Ice Intensifies Spotlight on Arctic

    As the arctic region loses ice in a changing climate, the economic and social tradeoffs are unclear. How will we balance economic, social and environmental functions? The Center on Global Energy Policy and the Consulate General of Canada in New York will examine these questions in a discussion on March 26: “Understanding the Arctic Resource…

  • Arctic Archipelago: Ground Zero For Climate Change

    Arctic Archipelago: Ground Zero For Climate Change

    Summer temperatures on the archipelago of Svalbard, 400 miles north of Norway, are now higher than at any other period in the last 1,800 years, according to a new study in the journal Geology.