trees Archives - State of the Planet

What Tropical Trees Can Teach Us About the Environment

PhD student Rose Oelkers discusses her work in the Amazon and what we can learn from the trees if we listen closely.

by |October 25, 2022

For Big, Old Trees, It’s a Downhill Slide When It Comes to Reproduction

Akin to humans, the fertility of trees declines with age, a new study indicates.

by |September 7, 2021

Tree Dance

A poem that will make you want to shake your branches.

by Brianna Brown |May 21, 2021
patterson pointing a shotgun up into the tree canopy

Angelica Patterson: The ‘Shotgun Scientist’ Studying How Forests Respond to Climate Change

The doctoral candidate tells us about her research and some the challenges of being a woman of color in the sciences.

by |February 11, 2021

Fossil Leaves Show High Atmospheric Carbon Spurred Ancient ‘Global Greening’

Scientists studying leaves from a forest that stood during a warm period 23 million years ago have for the first time linked high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide with increased plant growth, as well with the high temperatures of the time.

by |August 20, 2020

The Secret Life of Trees

Kevin Griffin uses remote sensing to track the daily rhythms of trees. His work is helping to bring tree biology to life for students and the general public.

by |October 16, 2019

‘Offsetted’ Art Exhibit Explores Humanity’s Relationship to Trees

A show on campus investigates how trees have been used as pawns in human schemes in and around New York City.

by |May 3, 2019

Climate Change and the Re-Greening of Puerto Rico

Ecologist Maria Uriarte investigates the effects of Hurricane Maria on the forests of Puerto Rico, and how long-term climate change may affect them.

by |March 22, 2018
tree guard

So Much Depends on a Tree Guard

Adding protective barriers around street trees could reduce load on city sewers, study finds.

by |January 23, 2018

Photo Essay: Where the Trees Meet the Tundra

Due to warming climate and increasing human exploitation, far northern forests and the tundra beyond are undergoing rapid changes. In northern Alaska, scientists from Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and other institutions are studying the responses of trees at the very edge of their range.

by |November 16, 2016