research
-
How a Massive Ancient Ice Shelf Stabilized Glaciers—and What It Means for Antarctica
New research could lead to more accurate predictions about how quickly Antarctic glaciers might retreat and raise sea levels.
-
Microplastics Are Chemically Active, and Could Cause Biological Harm
A new study found that when microplastics contact water, their surfaces can become chemically reactive. This could be how they get us sick.
-
Study Links NYC Congestion Pricing Policy to Cleaner Air In Lower Manhattan
One year after NYC launched its congestion pricing policy, fine particulate pollution inside Manhattan’s congestion relief zone was 13 percent lower, according to a new analysis.
-
September Research Roundup: Select Papers
In this month’s edition of our research roundup, we look at the impact of suspending U.S. embassy reporting on air quality; why two extreme heatwaves had different impacts; and how to make vulnerable populations in smaller cities more visible.
-
El Niño 2026: How Big Could It Get?
The current El Niño will break all sea-surface temperature records to date and will very likely deliver unprecedented weather-related impacts around the world.
-
On Ancient Madagascar, Large Native Herbivores Paid the Price as Introduced Livestock Spread
New analyses of ancient cattle, sheep and goat bones suggest that the rapid spread of introduced livestock 1,200 years ago coincided with forest loss and population declines among large native herbivores.
-
Robot Sailboats Will Spend Five Years Measuring Carbon in the Southern Ocean
Led by researchers at NOAA and Columbia University, the Constraining Ocean Carbon with Optimized Observing (COCO2) project will use uncrewed surface vehicles to reduce uncertainty in estimates of the ocean carbon sink.
-
New Report: Ocean Carbon Removal Shows Promise, But Big Questions Remain
Marine carbon dioxide removal could support climate action but faces major scientific, technical and governance challenges, according to a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report.
-
Mining is Essential. It Doesn’t Have to be Wasteful.
Greeshma Gadikota is developing a wide range of new approaches for sustainably acquiring and refining the raw inputs that become hardware and energy.
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
