State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

sustainable behavior

  • Can Tariffs Lead to a More Circular Economy?

    Can Tariffs Lead to a More Circular Economy?

    While controversial and often politically divisive, tariffs may have the opportunity to shift production and consumption patterns toward sustainability.

  • How to Make the Holidays More Sustainable

    How to Make the Holidays More Sustainable

    It can be tough to balance holiday celebrations with a sustainable lifestyle, but there are ways to make greener choices without becoming a grinch.

  • Main Streets, Malls, and Sustainable Consumption

    Main Streets, Malls, and Sustainable Consumption

    As new technologies continue to change consumption patterns, land use and social norms, we have an opportunity to ensure these changes result in an exciting sustainable lifestyle in a new type of sustainable city.

  • New York City’s Bag Fee and the Circular Economy

    While the reduction and eventual elimination of fossil fuel use is a key element of such an economy, so too are the public policies and public-private partnerships needed to collect and reuse discarded products and packages. Bag bills and bottle bills can help develop these capacities. In most of the United States, these ideas have…

  • Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Countries vary dramatically in their records of environmental responsibility. Some nations such as Switzerland and Norway are well known for their willingness to sacrifice for the future good, while countries such Iraq and South Africa lag far behind. There are certainly socio-economic reasons for these stark differences, but is it also possible that human psychology…

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

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

  • Can Tariffs Lead to a More Circular Economy?

    Can Tariffs Lead to a More Circular Economy?

    While controversial and often politically divisive, tariffs may have the opportunity to shift production and consumption patterns toward sustainability.

  • How to Make the Holidays More Sustainable

    How to Make the Holidays More Sustainable

    It can be tough to balance holiday celebrations with a sustainable lifestyle, but there are ways to make greener choices without becoming a grinch.

  • Main Streets, Malls, and Sustainable Consumption

    Main Streets, Malls, and Sustainable Consumption

    As new technologies continue to change consumption patterns, land use and social norms, we have an opportunity to ensure these changes result in an exciting sustainable lifestyle in a new type of sustainable city.

  • New York City’s Bag Fee and the Circular Economy

    While the reduction and eventual elimination of fossil fuel use is a key element of such an economy, so too are the public policies and public-private partnerships needed to collect and reuse discarded products and packages. Bag bills and bottle bills can help develop these capacities. In most of the United States, these ideas have…

  • Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Psychology of Environmental Decision Making and Sustainable Behavior

    Countries vary dramatically in their records of environmental responsibility. Some nations such as Switzerland and Norway are well known for their willingness to sacrifice for the future good, while countries such Iraq and South Africa lag far behind. There are certainly socio-economic reasons for these stark differences, but is it also possible that human psychology…