Research News Archives - State of the Planet

Study Reveals Long-Distance Levers Behind U.S. Southwest Drought—and a Dry Future

The U.S. Southwest has suffered a historic drought over the past two decades. A new study elucidates the drivers, and says conditions will never return to those of the relatively wet 20th century.

by |September 26, 2023

How Do We Dismantle Offshore Oil Structures Without Making the Public Pay?

If offshore oil installations are rapidly dismantled as a result of the transition to clean energy, the public, not companies, could end up paying. How to avoid this?

by Martin Lockman and Martin Dietrich Brauch |September 6, 2023

New Report Highlights the Complex Intersection of Antitrust Law and Sustainability Goals

The purpose of this new report is to provoke and support engagement among policymakers, private firms, and the wider public about the ways that competition policy can support sustainable development.

Research Links Climate Change to Lazier Jet Stream, Leading to Extreme Weather

A new study links climate change to increasing stalling of the jet stream, but also highlights uncertainties in climate models.

by |July 14, 2023
brown hills and sparse trees and shrubs

Study Pinpoints Process That Eases Drying in Drylands

Climate change is making drylands drier, but scientists have identified a natural process that helps to ease the loss of surface water in arid areas.

by |January 5, 2021
Jacky Austermann, Billy D'Andrea, and Roger Creel conducting field research in the Bahamas.

RSVP for the Spring 2020 Earth Institute Research Showcase

See interviews with Earth Institute students and join us virtually for the Earth Institute Research Showcase on April 10.

by Sydney Proffitt |April 9, 2020

Carbon Pricing as a Policy Instrument to Decarbonize Economies

A new study analyzes the suitability of different carbon pricing mechanisms as instruments to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

by |October 22, 2019
class with windmill

RSVP for the Spring 2019 Earth Institute Research Showcase

Earth Institute students will present their research projects — many of which focus on environmental issues in NYC — on April 5.

by |April 3, 2019

Humidity May Prove Breaking Point for Some Areas as Temperatures Rise, Says Study

A new study projects that in coming decades the effects of high humidity in many areas may surpass humans’ ability to work or, in some cases, even survive.

by |December 22, 2017

Spring 2016 Earth Institute Research Showcase

Read Flusser studied bamboo and its potential as a feedstock for efficient, second-generation biofuels. Alixandra Prybyla conducted groundbreaking research on the genus Leptarctus, a long-extinct mammal. Marisol Rodriguez worked on a financial model for solar investing. These are just three of the student projects on display at the recent Student Research Showcase.

by |April 14, 2016