sustainable development16
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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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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Solar New York
Governor Cuomo has set the goal that in less than a decade and a half, 50% of New York State’s energy will come from renewable resources. To some, that goal seems to be a stretch, but the chatter I’m starting to hear indicates we might even do better.
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Harnessing Soil to Rebuild Rural Nepal
Within weeks of a devastating earthquake in Nepal, governments and private groups pledged $4 billion in aid. And something else emerged from the rubble: a grassroots movement to rebuild rural Nepal safely and sustainably.
COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More
