State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

Virtual Learning

  • Graduation Ceremonies Return to the Real World

    Graduation Ceremonies Return to the Real World

    The reappearance of caps, gowns, hoods, paper diplomas, and smiling friends and families provide continuity and reassurance. I am happy that I got to see that once again, last week.

  • Personal Reflections on Education During the Pandemic

    Personal Reflections on Education During the Pandemic

    Like everyone else, I am eager for the vaccine to be distributed and for the infection rate to go down so we can all exhale and return to the real world. A world I know I will never again take for granted.

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

  • Graduation Ceremonies Return to the Real World

    Graduation Ceremonies Return to the Real World

    The reappearance of caps, gowns, hoods, paper diplomas, and smiling friends and families provide continuity and reassurance. I am happy that I got to see that once again, last week.

  • Personal Reflections on Education During the Pandemic

    Personal Reflections on Education During the Pandemic

    Like everyone else, I am eager for the vaccine to be distributed and for the infection rate to go down so we can all exhale and return to the real world. A world I know I will never again take for granted.