SIPA Archives - State of the Planet

Climate School Announces Two New Appointments

Meet Melissa Lott and Catherine McKenna, two new members of the Columbia Climate School

by |November 30, 2023

When It Rains, It Pours. Why?

Atmospheric scientist Michela Biasutti investigates what drives rainfall on a wide variety of time scales, and how climate change may affect it. She is passing on the basics to students.

by Vanessa Lincoln |September 21, 2023
A rainforest surrounded by fog.

Can a New Forest Alliance Change Nature Finance for the Better?

The partnership of three countries—Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Indonesia—could play a pivotal role in reducing global deforestation.

by Ezekiel Maben |June 20, 2023
Map of the US depicting states color-coded by number of bills passed (between 1 and 16)

State Legislatures Continue to Enact Disaster Policies in 2023

States have already filed at least 103 bills related to disaster resilience. Columbia Climate School’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness reports on what has been achieved so far.

by Lucia Bragg, Abigail Menendez, Gillian McBride |June 12, 2023
Five young professionally dressed people stand smiling in front of trees

A Proposal to Decouple Food Systems From Deforestation in Brazil

Students from the M.P.A. in Environmental Science and Policy program traveled to Brazil to present their policy proposal at the 2023 Global Public Policy Network Conference.

by Deanna Coleman |May 15, 2023
A diverse group of young progessionals standing around in conversation

Finding Community in New York City’s Energy Scene

A student at the School of International and Public Affairs was pleasantly surprised by the range of attendees at a recent Young Professionals in Energy event in New York City.

by Bhavya Jha |April 27, 2023

Investors Play a Crucial Role in Solving Climate Change

Climate School experts discuss how strategic investing can drive innovation and systemic change.

by |April 17, 2023
Supermarket freezer aisle

Expanding Global Cold Chains: Effective Adaptation, or Dangerous Contribution to Climate Change?

Cooling technologies, including refrigerators and industrial chillers, can prevent food waste and are increasingly necessary in our warming climate. Are there ways to minimize their climate impacts?

by Benjamin Ritter, Carolyne Barker, and Kevin Karl |January 27, 2023
man sits at a fruit stand

COP27: Meaningful Progress and Missed Opportunities on Food System Emissions

Did the conference deliver on its billing as the first “food COP”?

by Benjamin Ritter and Kevin Karl |December 16, 2022
a woman sits next to a cookstove with an open flame and smoke

Traditional Cookstoves: Fueling a Health and Climate Crisis?

Switching to cleaner cookstoves can save lives, cut carbon emissions, and promote gender equality. At COP27, world leaders should take steps to ensure universal clean cooking access by 2030.

by Benjamin Ritter and Kevin Karl |November 14, 2022