State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

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  • Climate May Quickly Drive Forest-Eating Beetles North, Says Study

    Climate May Quickly Drive Forest-Eating Beetles North, Says Study

    Over the next few decades, global warming-related rises in winter temperatures could significantly extend the range of the southern pine beetle, one of the world’s most aggressive tree-killing insects, through much of the northern United States and southern Canada, says a new study.

  • New York’s Waterways Are Swimming in Plastic Microbeads

    New York’s Waterways Are Swimming in Plastic Microbeads

    Plastic microbeads, common in soap, toothpaste and other consumer products, are flooding waters. A team from Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory is doing the first large-scale assessment of their impact on New York’s waterways.

  • Fighting Ivory Trafficking with Forensic Science

    Fighting Ivory Trafficking with Forensic Science

    Last week, just days before Central Park’s big Ivory Crush, a Lamont-Doherty geochemist and his colleague sawed off samples of the confiscated ivory for DNA testing and radiocarbon dating. Their results could determine where and when each elephant was killed—which could help catch the poachers responsible.

  • Analyzing Winter Storm Risk and Resilience in a Changing Climate

    Analyzing Winter Storm Risk and Resilience in a Changing Climate

    A new study analyzing storm intensity and impacts in the New York metro area aims to inform how communities can better prepare for winter storms and enhance resiliency as the effects of climate change exacerbate hazards.

  • With Fulbright Grant, Alum Will Study Arctic Ocean Protection

    With Fulbright Grant, Alum Will Study Arctic Ocean Protection

    David Prieto, 2015 graduate of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management program, has been awarded a Fulbright-National Science Foundation Arctic Research Grant focused on interdisciplinary issues across the Arctic.

  • Funding Opportunities for Travel and Field Research

    Funding Opportunities for Travel and Field Research

    Applications for the Fall 2017 Global Fellows and Travel Grant Programs are now open! Apply today for funding for your sustainability research.

  • Defining and Predicting Heat Waves in Bangladesh

    Defining and Predicting Heat Waves in Bangladesh

    New research shows that in Bangladesh, heat wave predictability exists from a few days to several weeks in advance, which could save thousands of lives.

  • Tackling Sleeping Sickness in Maasai Communities

    Tackling Sleeping Sickness in Maasai Communities

    A powerful new tool helps rural Tanzanians reduce their exposure to tsetse flies and the deadly disease they carry.

  • Research Assistant Opening

    Research Assistant Opening

    The Earth Institute is seeking a research assistant to work with Dr. David Maurrasse. Research will focus on how partnerships involving various stakeholders across sectors (government, higher education, health care, philanthropy, the private sector, community organizations, and others) are addressing critical social concerns.

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

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

  • Climate May Quickly Drive Forest-Eating Beetles North, Says Study

    Climate May Quickly Drive Forest-Eating Beetles North, Says Study

    Over the next few decades, global warming-related rises in winter temperatures could significantly extend the range of the southern pine beetle, one of the world’s most aggressive tree-killing insects, through much of the northern United States and southern Canada, says a new study.

  • New York’s Waterways Are Swimming in Plastic Microbeads

    New York’s Waterways Are Swimming in Plastic Microbeads

    Plastic microbeads, common in soap, toothpaste and other consumer products, are flooding waters. A team from Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory is doing the first large-scale assessment of their impact on New York’s waterways.

  • Fighting Ivory Trafficking with Forensic Science

    Fighting Ivory Trafficking with Forensic Science

    Last week, just days before Central Park’s big Ivory Crush, a Lamont-Doherty geochemist and his colleague sawed off samples of the confiscated ivory for DNA testing and radiocarbon dating. Their results could determine where and when each elephant was killed—which could help catch the poachers responsible.

  • Analyzing Winter Storm Risk and Resilience in a Changing Climate

    Analyzing Winter Storm Risk and Resilience in a Changing Climate

    A new study analyzing storm intensity and impacts in the New York metro area aims to inform how communities can better prepare for winter storms and enhance resiliency as the effects of climate change exacerbate hazards.

  • With Fulbright Grant, Alum Will Study Arctic Ocean Protection

    With Fulbright Grant, Alum Will Study Arctic Ocean Protection

    David Prieto, 2015 graduate of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management program, has been awarded a Fulbright-National Science Foundation Arctic Research Grant focused on interdisciplinary issues across the Arctic.

  • Funding Opportunities for Travel and Field Research

    Funding Opportunities for Travel and Field Research

    Applications for the Fall 2017 Global Fellows and Travel Grant Programs are now open! Apply today for funding for your sustainability research.

  • Defining and Predicting Heat Waves in Bangladesh

    Defining and Predicting Heat Waves in Bangladesh

    New research shows that in Bangladesh, heat wave predictability exists from a few days to several weeks in advance, which could save thousands of lives.

  • Tackling Sleeping Sickness in Maasai Communities

    Tackling Sleeping Sickness in Maasai Communities

    A powerful new tool helps rural Tanzanians reduce their exposure to tsetse flies and the deadly disease they carry.

  • Research Assistant Opening

    Research Assistant Opening

    The Earth Institute is seeking a research assistant to work with Dr. David Maurrasse. Research will focus on how partnerships involving various stakeholders across sectors (government, higher education, health care, philanthropy, the private sector, community organizations, and others) are addressing critical social concerns.