Ruth DeFries Archives - State of the Planet

Columbia Climate School Leadership Announcement

On July 1, Jeffrey Shaman will become interim dean of the Climate School, continuing the work of co-deans Alex Halliday, Jason Bordoff, Ruth DeFries, and Maureen Raymo, climate leaders who built the School’s strong foundation.

by Lee C. Bollinger |May 24, 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
a tiger in a forested area

Study Establishes Key Areas for Tiger Movement in Central India

By mapping out overlapping areas identified as tiger corridors in previous studies, researchers hope to send a clear and cohesive message on which areas are most important for conservation.

by |May 23, 2022
image showing women scientists at columbia

Why Climate Science Needs More Women Scientists

Women scientists continue to face unequal access to resources and opportunities in climate science. This lack of gender diversity is concerning, since women around the world will bear the brunt of climate change impacts.

by |February 11, 2022
An orangutan swings in a tree in a rainforest on Borneo

Coronavirus and Wildfires Combine to Pose Potential Threat to Indigenous Lives and Lands

But experts say it’s not too late to reduce the most serious effects of these compound issues.

by |June 22, 2020

Ruth DeFries, Jeffrey Sachs Named University Professors

Ruth DeFries and Jeffrey Sachs have been named University Professors, the highest rank Columbia University bestows on its faculty.

by |April 13, 2016

Ruth DeFries – Denning Professor of Sustainable Development; Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology

What can satellite imagery tell us about the impact of humanity’s transformation of the landscape on climate and ecosystems? A lot, according to Ruth DeFries, ecosystems expert, Denning Professor of Sustainable Development, and professor of ecology, evolution, and environmental biology at Columbia University and the Earth Institute’s Center for Environmental Research and Conservation (CERC). DeFries… read more

by |September 18, 2009