State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

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  • 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.

  • Back to Bangladesh to Date Earthquakes and More

    Back to Bangladesh to Date Earthquakes and More

    I’m back in Bangladesh with a small team after a year and a half away. One different is a police escort as a result of the attacks last year. We start by successfully sampling river sediments to correct the date of an earthquake that caused a river to shift over 3,500 years ago. We also…

  • Antarctic Scientists Honor Obama by Collecting Climate Data

    Antarctic Scientists Honor Obama by Collecting Climate Data

    Researchers studying the West Antarctic Peninsula marine ecosystem will recognize President Obama’s efforts to combat global warming by collecting climate data at an oceanographic station they named for the 44th president.

Composite banner with modern building at night and portrait of Dean Alexis Abramson that reads "Science for the Planet"

By studying thousands of buildings and analyzing their electricity use, Columbia Climate School Dean Alexis Abramson has been able to uncover ways to significantly cut energy consumption and emissions. Watch the Video: “Engineering a Cooler Future Through Smarter Buildings

  • 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.

  • Back to Bangladesh to Date Earthquakes and More

    Back to Bangladesh to Date Earthquakes and More

    I’m back in Bangladesh with a small team after a year and a half away. One different is a police escort as a result of the attacks last year. We start by successfully sampling river sediments to correct the date of an earthquake that caused a river to shift over 3,500 years ago. We also…

  • Antarctic Scientists Honor Obama by Collecting Climate Data

    Antarctic Scientists Honor Obama by Collecting Climate Data

    Researchers studying the West Antarctic Peninsula marine ecosystem will recognize President Obama’s efforts to combat global warming by collecting climate data at an oceanographic station they named for the 44th president.