State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

UNEP

  • The Irreversible Global Impacts From the Loss of Earth’s Frozen Regions

    The Irreversible Global Impacts From the Loss of Earth’s Frozen Regions

    In June, climate negotiators from around the world met in Bonn, Germany for the annual Subsidiary Body meetings in preparation for the Conference of the Parties.

  • What Role Can Climate Change Play in the Courtroom?

    What Role Can Climate Change Play in the Courtroom?

    Michael Burger, executive director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, discussed recent developments in climate litigation and the questions they raise for the future.

  • Summer Opportunities for Columbia Students at UN Environment Programme

    Since the Fall of 2007, the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch (PCDMB) and the Earth Institute, Columbia University, have partnered to offer Research Assistantships each year to Columbia University graduate students. These positions take place at the PCDMB offices in Geneva, Switzerland, each summer. Travel costs will be covered for…

  • A Faustian Choice: Population and Environment

    A Faustian Choice: Population and Environment

    Population growth is a key contributor to the pressures pushing at our planetary boundaries. In Rio+20 discussions, implications of population growth have become shrouded in platitudes. It is important that discussions on planetary limits clearly lay out possible strategies that can alleviate these pressures.

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • The Irreversible Global Impacts From the Loss of Earth’s Frozen Regions

    The Irreversible Global Impacts From the Loss of Earth’s Frozen Regions

    In June, climate negotiators from around the world met in Bonn, Germany for the annual Subsidiary Body meetings in preparation for the Conference of the Parties.

  • What Role Can Climate Change Play in the Courtroom?

    What Role Can Climate Change Play in the Courtroom?

    Michael Burger, executive director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, discussed recent developments in climate litigation and the questions they raise for the future.

  • Summer Opportunities for Columbia Students at UN Environment Programme

    Since the Fall of 2007, the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch (PCDMB) and the Earth Institute, Columbia University, have partnered to offer Research Assistantships each year to Columbia University graduate students. These positions take place at the PCDMB offices in Geneva, Switzerland, each summer. Travel costs will be covered for…

  • A Faustian Choice: Population and Environment

    A Faustian Choice: Population and Environment

    Population growth is a key contributor to the pressures pushing at our planetary boundaries. In Rio+20 discussions, implications of population growth have become shrouded in platitudes. It is important that discussions on planetary limits clearly lay out possible strategies that can alleviate these pressures.