State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Sustainability29

  • Science And Sustainability Management: 20 Years of Columbia’s Earth Institute

    This fall, Columbia University’s Earth Institute will mark its 20th anniversary. There were two central ideas that animated the creation of this university-wide institute. The first was to promote basic understanding of earth system science, and the second was to apply that knowledge to decisions made by governments and businesses around the world.

  • Presidential Politics: Water Supply and Contamination

    Presidential Politics: Water Supply and Contamination

    The federal government needs to develop and implement a plan to solve problems with our water infrastructure, pollution and growing scarcity. How will the next president act?

  • Carbon Pricing for the Climate: How It Could Work

    Carbon Pricing for the Climate: How It Could Work

    Most economists and policy experts agree that the most effective and cheapest way to curb the carbon dioxide emissions that are warming the planet is to “put a price on carbon.” How effective are carbon taxes and cap and trade programs?

  • Crossing Boundaries for the Environment

    Crossing Boundaries for the Environment

    It is not the concept of a borderless nature that should serve as a model to facilitate cross-border dialogue and cooperation. Rather, it is that nature’s systems are interconnected and their borders are open to exchange.

  • How to Wrap Your Head Around Dead Sea Rehabilitation

    How to Wrap Your Head Around Dead Sea Rehabilitation

    The Dead Sea has been receding at an average rate of 1 meter per year. How can this important historic, cultural and environmental landmark be rehabilitated in one of the world’s driest regions while improving water access for Israel, Palestine and Jordan?

  • Understanding the Sustainable Lifestyle

    While I remain convinced that humans require live interaction and in person contact to be effective, a high proportion of communication is electronic and require few incremental resources to be undertaken. I am quite certain that we spend more time than ever communicating professionally and personally.

  • By the Numbers: Air Quality and Pollution in New York City

    By the Numbers: Air Quality and Pollution in New York City

    New York City is known for many things, but having clean air isn’t one of them. Explore some of the issues and challenges the Big Apple faces in clearing NYC’s air through interactive maps and data.

  • MSSM Alum Named to 2016 GreenBiz ’30 under 30′

    MSSM Alum Named to 2016 GreenBiz ’30 under 30′

    Prerna Chatterjee (MSSM’15) has been named one of the “30 under 30” people to watch in sustainable business by GreenBiz Group.

  • Engaging Sustainability Initiatives in Schools

    Engaging Sustainability Initiatives in Schools

    Master of Science in Sustainability Management student Jordan Chan knows that professionals involved in sustainability are passionate about what they do. She suggests reaching out to companies and people in positions of interest for an informational interview. That’s actually how she landed a job at PepsiCo, where she is responsible for developing programs for colleges…

Colorful icons representing nature, sustainable living, and renewable energy with text "Earth Day 2026"

The first Earth Day in 1970 ignited a movement to stop polluting our planet. Today, our scientists and experts are tackling the most pressing challenges to achieve real-world impact. This Earth Day, join us in our commitment to realizing a just and sustainable future for our planet. Visit our Earth Day website for ideas, resources, and inspiration.

  • Science And Sustainability Management: 20 Years of Columbia’s Earth Institute

    This fall, Columbia University’s Earth Institute will mark its 20th anniversary. There were two central ideas that animated the creation of this university-wide institute. The first was to promote basic understanding of earth system science, and the second was to apply that knowledge to decisions made by governments and businesses around the world.

  • Presidential Politics: Water Supply and Contamination

    Presidential Politics: Water Supply and Contamination

    The federal government needs to develop and implement a plan to solve problems with our water infrastructure, pollution and growing scarcity. How will the next president act?

  • Carbon Pricing for the Climate: How It Could Work

    Carbon Pricing for the Climate: How It Could Work

    Most economists and policy experts agree that the most effective and cheapest way to curb the carbon dioxide emissions that are warming the planet is to “put a price on carbon.” How effective are carbon taxes and cap and trade programs?

  • Crossing Boundaries for the Environment

    Crossing Boundaries for the Environment

    It is not the concept of a borderless nature that should serve as a model to facilitate cross-border dialogue and cooperation. Rather, it is that nature’s systems are interconnected and their borders are open to exchange.

  • How to Wrap Your Head Around Dead Sea Rehabilitation

    How to Wrap Your Head Around Dead Sea Rehabilitation

    The Dead Sea has been receding at an average rate of 1 meter per year. How can this important historic, cultural and environmental landmark be rehabilitated in one of the world’s driest regions while improving water access for Israel, Palestine and Jordan?

  • Understanding the Sustainable Lifestyle

    While I remain convinced that humans require live interaction and in person contact to be effective, a high proportion of communication is electronic and require few incremental resources to be undertaken. I am quite certain that we spend more time than ever communicating professionally and personally.

  • By the Numbers: Air Quality and Pollution in New York City

    By the Numbers: Air Quality and Pollution in New York City

    New York City is known for many things, but having clean air isn’t one of them. Explore some of the issues and challenges the Big Apple faces in clearing NYC’s air through interactive maps and data.

  • MSSM Alum Named to 2016 GreenBiz ’30 under 30′

    MSSM Alum Named to 2016 GreenBiz ’30 under 30′

    Prerna Chatterjee (MSSM’15) has been named one of the “30 under 30” people to watch in sustainable business by GreenBiz Group.

  • Engaging Sustainability Initiatives in Schools

    Engaging Sustainability Initiatives in Schools

    Master of Science in Sustainability Management student Jordan Chan knows that professionals involved in sustainability are passionate about what they do. She suggests reaching out to companies and people in positions of interest for an informational interview. That’s actually how she landed a job at PepsiCo, where she is responsible for developing programs for colleges…