toxic chemicals
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The False Trade-off Between Green Energy and Toxic Chemical Regulation
The long and tortuous effort to regulate toxic chemicals in America has now come up against an ironic obstacle: anti-environmental lobbying by the manufacturers of batteries and other renewable energy technologies that rely on toxic substances.
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Regulating Forever Chemicals
We are an ingenious species, and when properly motivated, we can build an economy that doesn’t poison people and the planet.
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Pesticides and Industrial Pollutants Found in Snow Atop Arctic Glaciers
The long journey of these compounds — likely originating in the United States and Eurasia — points to the near-global reach of industrial and agricultural pollution.
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After Florence: Improving the Management of Toxic Materials
This is an opportunity to reengineer and reimagine the way toxic materials are managed.
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The Human and Financial Cost of Pollution
We need to ensure that our air, water and soil is free of poisons and to do that we need to take pollution control more seriously than we do today. Many industries have found that environmental regulation is compatible with long term production and profits.
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Houston’s Post-Harvey Toxic Mess
If we are to maintain the way of life we enjoy while maintaining a safe and healthy environment, we need to require more careful management of toxic substances.
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The World Trade Center Disaster And Our Toxic World
In a dangerous world we must be vigilant in the face of evil, but we must also do our best to reduce self-inflicted wounds. We can do a better job of detoxifying our technology, and of helping those who are victims of attacks and disasters. We owe it to our children and the planet they…
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Revising the Toxic Substances Out-of-Control Act
An unregulated chemical industry is an invitation for disaster. Fortunately, there is at least one place in America where regulation of toxic chemicals is taken seriously—California (of course).
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Toxic Chemicals All Around Us: Is Green Chemistry the Answer?
We live in a world filled with synthetic chemicals, many with known or suspected health hazards. Can green chemistry, the design of chemical products without hazardous substances, provide a solution?
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
