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Sluggish Ocean Currents Caused European Heat Wave Some 12,000 Years Ago
New study suggests we may be underestimating the chances of extreme heat and droughts in Europe under climate change.
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North American Coasts Are Absorbing Large Amounts of Carbon
Coastal waters play an important role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon into sediments or transferring it to the open ocean, a new study confirms.
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The 100th Meridian, Where the Great Plains Begin, May Be Shifting
Two new papers find that the line that divides the moist East and arid West is edging eastward due to climate change—and the implications for farming and other pursuits could be huge.
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Predicting Hurricane Flooding Risks to the East Coast
Columbia University researchers to help translate hurricane science into projections for planning for climate and weather risks.
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Climate Change and the Re-Greening of Puerto Rico
Ecologist Maria Uriarte investigates the effects of Hurricane Maria on the forests of Puerto Rico, and how long-term climate change may affect them.
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Climate Migrants Will Soon Shift Populations of Many Countries, Says World Bank
If emissions of greenhouse gases remain high, as many as 143 million “internal migrants” might move within their own countries by 2050.
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Palm Trees Are Spreading Northward. How Far Will They Go?
A new study explores what it will take for the iconic tropical tree to expand into areas that have long been too cold for palm trees to survive.
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North Atlantic Is Getting Less Salty, But It’s Too Soon to Blame Climate Change
Researchers report a sharp drop in salinity in the North Atlantic Ocean over the last decade, providing the most detailed look yet at the region’s changing ocean conditions. A continued decline could impact fish stocks and the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2.
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Dying Reefs Bigger Threat to Coasts Than Rising Seas, Study Says
If coral reefs continue to degrade, waves on coastlines may substantially increase, leading to greater coastal erosion.

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More
