State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

sustainable development15

  • Study Finds Oil Palm Certification Plays Limited Role in Curbing Fires

    Study Finds Oil Palm Certification Plays Limited Role in Curbing Fires

    Oil palm is in everything from food to cosmetics to fuel and is consumed and used by most people without giving it a second thought. Yet oil palm cultivation is a large contributor to environmental and social problems, especially in places like Indonesia, where the business of oil palm cultivation has become the second largest…

  • Bringing the Culture of Sustainability Management to Princess Cruise Lines

    Bringing the Culture of Sustainability Management to Princess Cruise Lines

    Princess, a division of Carnival Cruise line, the largest passenger cruise company in the world, has pleaded guilty to seven felony charges and will pay $40 million after employees on a cruise ship were caught dumping oiled waste into the seas and lying to cover up their actions. This as an issue of management that…

  • Anchor Institutions Task Force Holds Annual Conference

    Anchor Institutions Task Force Holds Annual Conference

    In November 2016, the Anchor Institutions Task Force held its annual conference in New York City. Over 150 representatives from a variety of anchor institutions and partner organizations came together to discuss how anchor institutions can make valuable contributions to community and economic development through local partnerships.

  • Earth Observation Science, Public Policymaking, and the Trump Administration

    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…

  • New York Lets a Thousand Bioswales Bloom

    New York Lets a Thousand Bioswales Bloom

    In an effort to curb sewage overflows, New York City has turned to green infrastructure: right-of-way bioswales, green roofs and rain gardens, among other practices. These measures help decrease stormwater runoff by increasing pervious areas and introducing water-loving plants that can absorb some of the water and encourage evaporation.

  • Leon Billings, Tom Jorling and the Origins of U.S. Environmental Law

    Leon Billings, Tom Jorling and the Origins of U.S. Environmental Law

    If you had the experience of hearing Leon Billings teach and tell stories, it is hard to believe his voice is no longer with us. He was a great American and an important figure in American environmental history.

  • Sustainable Agriculture Through Innovation and Collaboration

    Sustainable Agriculture Through Innovation and Collaboration

    Individuals and institutions are becoming increasingly concerned about the social and environmental impacts and the broader societal ramifications associated with conventional agricultural systems. In response, many are acting to bring into view a brighter future that is capable of satisfying a long list of criteria that define sustainable agriculture.

  • Cities: the Vanguard Against Climate Change

    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.

  • The Candidates Agree: America’s Aging Infrastructure Needs a Fix

    The Candidates Agree: America’s Aging Infrastructure Needs a Fix

    Once infrastructure decisions are made, they are locked in place, often for decades, sometimes for centuries. Recognizing this fact, there is an urgency to think in new ways, rather than simply stick with established practices and systems.

Composite banner with modern building at night and portrait of Dean Alexis Abramson that reads "Science for the Planet"

By studying thousands of buildings and analyzing their electricity use, Columbia Climate School Dean Alexis Abramson has been able to uncover ways to significantly cut energy consumption and emissions. Watch the Video: “Engineering a Cooler Future Through Smarter Buildings

  • Study Finds Oil Palm Certification Plays Limited Role in Curbing Fires

    Study Finds Oil Palm Certification Plays Limited Role in Curbing Fires

    Oil palm is in everything from food to cosmetics to fuel and is consumed and used by most people without giving it a second thought. Yet oil palm cultivation is a large contributor to environmental and social problems, especially in places like Indonesia, where the business of oil palm cultivation has become the second largest…

  • Bringing the Culture of Sustainability Management to Princess Cruise Lines

    Bringing the Culture of Sustainability Management to Princess Cruise Lines

    Princess, a division of Carnival Cruise line, the largest passenger cruise company in the world, has pleaded guilty to seven felony charges and will pay $40 million after employees on a cruise ship were caught dumping oiled waste into the seas and lying to cover up their actions. This as an issue of management that…

  • Anchor Institutions Task Force Holds Annual Conference

    Anchor Institutions Task Force Holds Annual Conference

    In November 2016, the Anchor Institutions Task Force held its annual conference in New York City. Over 150 representatives from a variety of anchor institutions and partner organizations came together to discuss how anchor institutions can make valuable contributions to community and economic development through local partnerships.

  • Earth Observation Science, Public Policymaking, and the Trump Administration

    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…

  • New York Lets a Thousand Bioswales Bloom

    New York Lets a Thousand Bioswales Bloom

    In an effort to curb sewage overflows, New York City has turned to green infrastructure: right-of-way bioswales, green roofs and rain gardens, among other practices. These measures help decrease stormwater runoff by increasing pervious areas and introducing water-loving plants that can absorb some of the water and encourage evaporation.

  • Leon Billings, Tom Jorling and the Origins of U.S. Environmental Law

    Leon Billings, Tom Jorling and the Origins of U.S. Environmental Law

    If you had the experience of hearing Leon Billings teach and tell stories, it is hard to believe his voice is no longer with us. He was a great American and an important figure in American environmental history.

  • Sustainable Agriculture Through Innovation and Collaboration

    Sustainable Agriculture Through Innovation and Collaboration

    Individuals and institutions are becoming increasingly concerned about the social and environmental impacts and the broader societal ramifications associated with conventional agricultural systems. In response, many are acting to bring into view a brighter future that is capable of satisfying a long list of criteria that define sustainable agriculture.

  • Cities: the Vanguard Against Climate Change

    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.

  • The Candidates Agree: America’s Aging Infrastructure Needs a Fix

    The Candidates Agree: America’s Aging Infrastructure Needs a Fix

    Once infrastructure decisions are made, they are locked in place, often for decades, sometimes for centuries. Recognizing this fact, there is an urgency to think in new ways, rather than simply stick with established practices and systems.