urban planning Archives - State of the Planet

flooding in nyc street from hurricane sandy

What City Planners Can Learn From Hurricane Sandy

Based on a decade of data from Hurricane Sandy, two New York City planners explore the inequities of disaster mitigation and recovery — and what needs to change to prevent climate gentrification.

by Thaddeus Pawlowski and Donovan Finn |October 18, 2022
core repository

Presenting Climate LIVE K12: RSVP for Winter 2022 and Spring 2023 Sessions

In the Climate LIVE video series, experts from across the Columbia Climate School present climate and sustainability content for grade school and university students, educators, parents, and the public.

by Laurel Zaima and Christina Deodatis |October 11, 2022

Exposure to Deadly Urban Heat Worldwide Has Tripled in Recent Decades, Says Study

A detailed analysis of temperatures and population trends in 13,115 cities shows where specific numbers of people are most affected.

by |October 4, 2021
teamwork

Sustainable Development Students Tackle Four Real-World Challenges in Fall 2020 Workshop

Students provided guidance and practical recommendations for clients on a variety of sustainability issues.

by |March 12, 2021
people walk and bicycle in snowy central park

City Parks: A Lifesaver During COVID Winter

A study that explored winter park use among New Yorkers last year offers key insights into improving the mental wellbeing of urban dwellers as the pandemic merges with colder weather.

by Megan Maurer and Dan Poniachik |November 12, 2020
diagram of how lungs work

Density, Equity, and the History of Epidemics in New York City

The city’s economic success depends on its density. But density also allows contagious diseases to spread. Looking at how the city has managed this conflict in the past could shed light on what the future holds.

by Richard Plunz and Andrés Álvarez-Dávila |June 30, 2020
river in johnstown

Columbia Students and Locals Team Up to Build Resilience in Johnstown, PA

Workshop shows how climate adaptation could be linked with economic revitalization in the nation’s so-called “Rust Belt.”

by |November 12, 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
elliott sclar

Elliott Sclar Named One of 2018’s ‘Responsible 100’

The award from City and State NY recognizes socially responsible executives, thought leaders, visionaries and influencers.

by |November 20, 2018
Malo Hutson photo in front of tree

Investigating How the Built Environment Impacts Health and Equality

Having grown up poor, urbanist and Earth Institute faculty member Malo Hutson brings a unique perspective to his work with displaced and impoverished people.

by |August 14, 2018