State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Undergraduate Major in Sustainable Development13

  • Influencing Students Towards a More Sustainable Path

    In a recent interview, Dr. Stuart Gaffin provided his thoughts on the direction that the field of sustainability is moving into. In his words, urban environmental research is the topic of the day: “Many cities, including New York, are putting ambitious plans in place to reduce emissions, and implement adaptation practices, including novel green infrastructure…

  • Applying Classroom Theory in the Forest

    Applying Classroom Theory in the Forest

    Under-graduate and graduate students from Columbia University joined professors Kevin Griffin and Matthew Palmer in September for the first of 10 field trips outside of the New York City area. Dr. Griffin and Dr. Palmer teach Forest Ecology, a course that combines classroom theory with hands-on experience and training in methods of ecological field work.

  • Field Trip to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

    Students visit Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the Earth Institute’s center for scientific research, which housed research facilities in fields ranging from marine geology to climate change.

  • Restoration Efforts on the Bronx River

    It’s not every day one has the opportunity to see river restoration efforts, take water samples, and refine one’s canoeing skills. Students from the Sustainable Development program did all three while exploring the Bronx River with the Bronx River Alliance.

  • What Is It Like To Be A Green Consultant?

    Columbia alumni Jing Chu and William Jaffray speak to students about their work as energy engineers with Associated Renewable, an energy consulting firm focusing on carbon management, training and education, energy and supply, and project financing.

  • New Program in Tropical Biology and Sustainability

    The Tropical Biology and Sustainability Program will allow students the opportunity to study ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, environmental engineering, and sustainable development in the environmental hub of East Africa.

  • Earth Institute Fall 2012 Internships

    This fall, the Earth Institute, Columbia University is offering Columbia students opportunities to intern within various departments and research centers at the Earth Institute. All full-time Columbia and Barnard students are eligible to apply for internships. These internships are funded at a rate of $15/hr for 10 hours per week and up to a maximum…

  • Fall 2012 Undergraduate Research Assistant Positions

    The Earth Institute, Columbia University is pleased to announce 10 research assistant opportunities for undergraduate students during the fall 2012 semester. Undergraduates from Columbia and Barnard will be able to serve as research assistants on exciting research projects related to sustainable development and the environment, and engage with distinguished faculty and researchers at the cutting…

  • Capstone Workshop and Bangladesh Presentations 2012

    Capstone Workshop and Bangladesh Presentations 2012

    By: Deborah Sachare Students in the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development gathered at the end of the spring semester as part of the Capstone Workshop in Sustainable Development, to present their final recommendations to clients and members of the Columbia University community. The goal of the workshop is to bring together the theoretical and environmental…

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

  • Influencing Students Towards a More Sustainable Path

    In a recent interview, Dr. Stuart Gaffin provided his thoughts on the direction that the field of sustainability is moving into. In his words, urban environmental research is the topic of the day: “Many cities, including New York, are putting ambitious plans in place to reduce emissions, and implement adaptation practices, including novel green infrastructure…

  • Applying Classroom Theory in the Forest

    Applying Classroom Theory in the Forest

    Under-graduate and graduate students from Columbia University joined professors Kevin Griffin and Matthew Palmer in September for the first of 10 field trips outside of the New York City area. Dr. Griffin and Dr. Palmer teach Forest Ecology, a course that combines classroom theory with hands-on experience and training in methods of ecological field work.

  • Field Trip to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

    Students visit Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the Earth Institute’s center for scientific research, which housed research facilities in fields ranging from marine geology to climate change.

  • Restoration Efforts on the Bronx River

    It’s not every day one has the opportunity to see river restoration efforts, take water samples, and refine one’s canoeing skills. Students from the Sustainable Development program did all three while exploring the Bronx River with the Bronx River Alliance.

  • What Is It Like To Be A Green Consultant?

    Columbia alumni Jing Chu and William Jaffray speak to students about their work as energy engineers with Associated Renewable, an energy consulting firm focusing on carbon management, training and education, energy and supply, and project financing.

  • New Program in Tropical Biology and Sustainability

    The Tropical Biology and Sustainability Program will allow students the opportunity to study ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, environmental engineering, and sustainable development in the environmental hub of East Africa.

  • Earth Institute Fall 2012 Internships

    This fall, the Earth Institute, Columbia University is offering Columbia students opportunities to intern within various departments and research centers at the Earth Institute. All full-time Columbia and Barnard students are eligible to apply for internships. These internships are funded at a rate of $15/hr for 10 hours per week and up to a maximum…

  • Fall 2012 Undergraduate Research Assistant Positions

    The Earth Institute, Columbia University is pleased to announce 10 research assistant opportunities for undergraduate students during the fall 2012 semester. Undergraduates from Columbia and Barnard will be able to serve as research assistants on exciting research projects related to sustainable development and the environment, and engage with distinguished faculty and researchers at the cutting…

  • Capstone Workshop and Bangladesh Presentations 2012

    Capstone Workshop and Bangladesh Presentations 2012

    By: Deborah Sachare Students in the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development gathered at the end of the spring semester as part of the Capstone Workshop in Sustainable Development, to present their final recommendations to clients and members of the Columbia University community. The goal of the workshop is to bring together the theoretical and environmental…