State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

universities

  • Highlights: “Universities and Climate Action”

    Highlights: “Universities and Climate Action”

    University leaders discuss how academic institutions can respond to climate challenges, defend academic freedom and continue to innovate in a challenging national context.

  • The Role of Universities in the Transition to Environmental Sustainability

    The Role of Universities in the Transition to Environmental Sustainability

    Preserving the planet is as self-justifying as preserving any other valuable and beautiful creation. It is the job of universities to develop and teach environmental ethics and ensure it permeates education from preschool to graduate school.

  • Sustainability, the New Economy and Lifelong Learning

    Sustainability, the New Economy and Lifelong Learning

    As the economy demands new knowledge and as professionals seek to meet those needs, new forms of formal education and non-degree training will be required. It is the civic responsibility of America’s best universities to learn how to meet these needs.

  • Should Universities Ban Bottled Water?

    Should Universities Ban Bottled Water?

    Recently deciding to end the sale of bottled water on its campus, the University of Vermont joins a growing group colleges and universities attempting make more environmentally friendly decisions. Although largely student driven movements, these changes are not always met by acceptance and praise by everyone in the community.

Composite banner with modern building at night and portrait of Dean Alexis Abramson that reads "Science for the Planet"

By studying thousands of buildings and analyzing their electricity use, Columbia Climate School Dean Alexis Abramson has been able to uncover ways to significantly cut energy consumption and emissions. Watch the Video: “Engineering a Cooler Future Through Smarter Buildings

  • Highlights: “Universities and Climate Action”

    Highlights: “Universities and Climate Action”

    University leaders discuss how academic institutions can respond to climate challenges, defend academic freedom and continue to innovate in a challenging national context.

  • The Role of Universities in the Transition to Environmental Sustainability

    The Role of Universities in the Transition to Environmental Sustainability

    Preserving the planet is as self-justifying as preserving any other valuable and beautiful creation. It is the job of universities to develop and teach environmental ethics and ensure it permeates education from preschool to graduate school.

  • Sustainability, the New Economy and Lifelong Learning

    Sustainability, the New Economy and Lifelong Learning

    As the economy demands new knowledge and as professionals seek to meet those needs, new forms of formal education and non-degree training will be required. It is the civic responsibility of America’s best universities to learn how to meet these needs.

  • Should Universities Ban Bottled Water?

    Should Universities Ban Bottled Water?

    Recently deciding to end the sale of bottled water on its campus, the University of Vermont joins a growing group colleges and universities attempting make more environmentally friendly decisions. Although largely student driven movements, these changes are not always met by acceptance and praise by everyone in the community.