Water Conflict
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Asia’s Glaciers Have Become a Diplomatic Talking Point
As glaciers continue to shrink, important questions around glacier diplomacy and water supply played out among Central Asian nations during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan.
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China Authorizes Controversial Hydropower Project in Landslide-Prone Region of Tibet
Recent Chinese approval to construct the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet has sparked concerns on local displacement, downstream impacts and infrastructure longevity.
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New Seminar Focuses on Links Between Environment, Conflict and Security
The Earth Institute is launching a new interdisciplinary seminar to help business and policy leaders better understand the connections between environmental stresses, natural resources and conflicts.
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Geocharts: Water Challenges Around the World
View four interactive maps that give an overview of some of the water challenges different parts of the world currently face.
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Identifying Teaching and Training Tools on Peacebuilding, Fragile States and Natural Resource Management
The Earth Institute at Columbia University hosted a two-day workshop that brought together practitioners, trainers, and academics to explore innovative approaches to teaching and training on natural resources management in fragile states and peacebuilding contexts. The workshop concluded with a clear statement: current academic and training programs do not provide a coherent methodology for students…
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Ripple Effect Author Talks Efficiency; Cleanup
The outlook for global water is bleak, but Alex Prud’Homme still believes in the power of human ingenuity.
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Water and Energy Conflict in Central Asia
Water resources management in the Central Asia region faces formidable challenges. The hydrological regimes of the two major rivers in the region, the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya, are complex and vulnerable to climate change. Water diversions to agricultural, industrial and domestic users have reduced flows in downstream regions, resulting in severe ecological damages.…
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
