Viewpoints
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Finding My Wild: A Summit for Pride and the Planet
Inspired by the freedom found in the mountains, this M.S. in Sustainability Management alum calls for restoring ecosystems and building communities where every living being can flourish authentically.
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Grief, Recovery and the Environmental Lessons of 9/11
Michael Gerrard revisits the profound grief and overlooked environmental hazards of the World Trade Center attacks, including asbestos and toxic debris.
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25 Years After September 11th, New York City Changed the Way We Prepare for Disasters
The strongest response is rarely about one institution having all the answers. It is about people knowing whom to call, trusting one another, and being willing to share what they know.
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A Polar Climate Ambassador Visits an Arctic Museum in Maine
Josie Brooks reflects on an exhibit at Maine’s Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum, which explores Inuit food traditions, hunting, art and community.
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How Ethiopia Can Make COP32 the Summit That Actually Delivers
Lisa Sachs believes Ethiopia and the African Union can make the 2027 COP more effective by focusing on scalable plans for energy systems, finance reform, food security and nature restoration.
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Accounting for Compounding Climate Events in Emergency Management
Climate researchers Marco Tedesco and David Sathuluri reflect on how a single week of heat, smoke and flooding exposed the vulnerability of NYC.
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The Future of Climate Finance
Climate economist Gernot Wagner argues public climate finance should de-risk private investment, fund adaptation for vulnerable countries and help multilateral development banks scale proven climate technologies faster.
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What Happens to Our Brains in a Warming World?
Climate change is already reshaping our brains. How do we act earlier, build resilience and change the trajectory for generations to come?
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Hawaii’s Compounding Climate Crisis Exposes Systemic Failures
Hawaii’s March 2026 flooding exposed more than damaged roads and homes. True recovery must prioritize local needs and long-term preparedness.
COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More
