State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

waste-to-energy

  • We Need to Advance Solid Waste Technology

    We Need to Advance Solid Waste Technology

    To implement a true circular economy, we need to systematically and automatically reuse most of the material placed in our trash bags.

  • The Necessity of Recycling

    The Necessity of Recycling

    Without recycling, there can be no circular economy. Without a circular economy, we cannot build environmentally sustainable cities. Without sustainable cities, we’d better start looking for another planet.

  • The U.S. Should Phase Out Landfilling, as China and the E.U. Are Doing

    The U.S. Should Phase Out Landfilling, as China and the E.U. Are Doing

    Compared to landfilling, waste-to-energy plants reduce carbon emissions and conserve land. China provides a good example of how waste-to-energy can be expanded.

  • Putting Garbage to Good Use with Waste-to-Energy

    Putting Garbage to Good Use with Waste-to-Energy

    Burning garbage to produce electricity is a strategy for sustainable waste management that is finding favor in Europe and China. Why isn’t it practiced more in the U.S.?

  • Landfill Disposal May Pose Greater Health Risks Than WTE Treatment, Student Research Shows

    Disposing of waste via landfills increases health risks 30-fold, compared with using waste-to-energy treatment — which generates electricity by burning waste — for disposal. This is according to a study conducted by a student in the Masters in Public Health (MPH) program at the Mailman School at Columbia University. The study, carried out by Pearl…

Collage of Turkiye beach scene and Columbia University Campus with text: UN Climate Change Conference COP31, Antalya, Turkiye, Nov 9-20, 2026

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

  • We Need to Advance Solid Waste Technology

    We Need to Advance Solid Waste Technology

    To implement a true circular economy, we need to systematically and automatically reuse most of the material placed in our trash bags.

  • The Necessity of Recycling

    The Necessity of Recycling

    Without recycling, there can be no circular economy. Without a circular economy, we cannot build environmentally sustainable cities. Without sustainable cities, we’d better start looking for another planet.

  • The U.S. Should Phase Out Landfilling, as China and the E.U. Are Doing

    The U.S. Should Phase Out Landfilling, as China and the E.U. Are Doing

    Compared to landfilling, waste-to-energy plants reduce carbon emissions and conserve land. China provides a good example of how waste-to-energy can be expanded.

  • Putting Garbage to Good Use with Waste-to-Energy

    Putting Garbage to Good Use with Waste-to-Energy

    Burning garbage to produce electricity is a strategy for sustainable waste management that is finding favor in Europe and China. Why isn’t it practiced more in the U.S.?

  • Landfill Disposal May Pose Greater Health Risks Than WTE Treatment, Student Research Shows

    Disposing of waste via landfills increases health risks 30-fold, compared with using waste-to-energy treatment — which generates electricity by burning waste — for disposal. This is according to a study conducted by a student in the Masters in Public Health (MPH) program at the Mailman School at Columbia University. The study, carried out by Pearl…