research Archives - State of the Planet

Whole Food Systems: Jessica Fanzo Looks at How Food Connects With Everything Else

The Columbia Climate School’s newest faculty member strives to improve food systems to deliver healthy, equitable, and environmentally sustainable diets.

by Emily Halnon |March 9, 2023
A forest in India

Using a People-Centered Approach to Design Restoration Projects

A new study proposes a more holistic approach to planning restoration projects that do not “leave people off the map.”

by |March 7, 2023

Without Changes, Global Food Systems May Drive World Beyond Climate Targets, Says Study

Production of meat, dairy and rice are the leading sources of food-related emissions. Improved management practices and changes in diet could go a long way to addressing the issues.

by |March 6, 2023

Towering Wildfire Clouds Are Affecting the Stratosphere, and the Climate

Aircraft collecting data from clouds of smoke have revealed surprising effects of wildfires on the ground.

by |February 28, 2023
teacher and boy look at a globe in a classroom

Project Will Survey Organizations Active in Climate Communication and Education

If you’re part of an organization that works in climate communication and education, please take 20 minutes to complete the online questionnaire. Others can help by spreading the word.

by Oren Pizmony-Levy |February 28, 2023

Ancient Eggshell Fragments Crack Giant Elephant Bird’s Life Secrets

In a region where skeletal fossils are poorly preserved, old eggshells are opening a window into the evolution, diet and distribution of Madagascar’s extinct birds.

by |February 28, 2023
lisa dale wearing a green blazer

‘I Study the Ways Society Is Adapting to a Changing Climate:’ Meet Climate Scientist Lisa Dale

Columbia Climate School’s Lisa Dale is a political scientist who studies how policies, both domestic and international, might help us live more sustainable lives.

by |February 23, 2023
The research team in Madagscar presenting their archeological research.

Cataloging the Past for Clues to Future Climate Adaptation

A Q&A with archaeologist and anthropologist Kristina Douglass, who studies the evolving relationships between people and the environment.

by |February 7, 2023

More Frequent Atmospheric Rivers Are Hindering the Recovery of Arctic Sea Ice

Giant trains of warm, moist air are playing havoc with Arctic sea ice during the season when it should be recovering from summer melting.

by |February 6, 2023
people chatting on the deck of a ship

Waters of Long Island Sound: How Local Perspectives Inform Ecological Research

By sharing their day-to-day experiences and deep knowledge of the local environment, fishermen and residents of the Long Island Sound provide crucial information for researchers studying coastal ecosystems health.

by Shangtong Li |February 1, 2023