Sustainability27
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Earth Observation Science, Public Policymaking, and the Trump Administration
We do not know enough about our planet and the impact of human technology on its basic systems. It is beyond idiotic to think we can grow our population and consumption this much, this quickly, and have no impact. But it is also foolish to overstate what we know and ask policymakers to invest trillions…
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Cities: the Vanguard Against Climate Change
Cities are leading the fight against climate change. Here’s what some of the most forward-looking ones are doing.
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Past This Absurd Election and Toward the Sustainable City
Our cities can bring us together in wonderful shared experiences; now it’s time for our political processes to reflect rather than refute that reality.
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Water Quality Concerns Extend Well Beyond Flint
Researchers at the Columbia Water Center have been analyzing trends in drinking water quality violations. A critical lesson is that water quality violations extend well beyond the problem of lead in Flint’s drinking water.
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Anchor Institutions and Employment
Despite the significance of anchor institutions to local economies, popular and political discourse does not always emphasize their importance. Anchor institutions, such as universities and hospitals, provide various employment opportunities while contributing to the health of local economies in other ways.
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How a Student Project Helped to Change JetBlue’s Course
What began as research at Columbia University became the catalyst for improving the sustainability of an airline, as JetBlue recently forged a 10-year deal to buy 330 million gallons of jet fuel made partially from plants.
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Watch: Cities and the Climate Change Challenge
Join us for a symposium on Lessons of Climate Resilience in New York City this Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 6-7:15 p.m. in Low Library on the Columbia University campus.
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Housing in New York City: Updating the History
“Beyond doubt the large question facing New York housing production today has to do with a market that can not provide for the half of our households that are low income.”
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Urban Sustainability and the Sharing Economy
A growing aspect of sustainable urban living is the “sharing economy.” Sharing has always been a part of urban life; we have long shared books in public libraries, nature in parks, and seats on the stoops of row houses. But in the past few years, cities have seen a significant revival and acceleration in sharing…
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
