State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

World Happiness Report

  • Amid War and Disease, World Happiness Report Shows Bright Spot

    Amid War and Disease, World Happiness Report Shows Bright Spot

    The pandemic brought not only pain and suffering but also an increase in social support and benevolence.

  • In a Lamentable Year, Finland Again is the Happiest Country in the World

    In a Lamentable Year, Finland Again is the Happiest Country in the World

    The 2021 World Happiness Report marks a somber moment as COVID-19 continues to rage on a little more than a year since it was declared a pandemic by the WHO.

  • Data Visualization: World Happiness Trends

    Data Visualization: World Happiness Trends

    Could the number of women in a nation’s government have an impact on its happiness? Can air quality effect the mood of a population? Do trains make people happier? Explore World Happiness Report data and trends that might also contribute to a country’s overall well-being.

  • First World Happiness Report Launched at the United Nations

    The happiest countries in the world are all in Northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Finland, Netherlands). Their average life evaluation score is 7.6 on a 0-to-10 scale. The least happy countries are all poor countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Togo, Benin, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone) with average life evaluation scores of 3.4. But it is not…

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

  • Amid War and Disease, World Happiness Report Shows Bright Spot

    Amid War and Disease, World Happiness Report Shows Bright Spot

    The pandemic brought not only pain and suffering but also an increase in social support and benevolence.

  • In a Lamentable Year, Finland Again is the Happiest Country in the World

    In a Lamentable Year, Finland Again is the Happiest Country in the World

    The 2021 World Happiness Report marks a somber moment as COVID-19 continues to rage on a little more than a year since it was declared a pandemic by the WHO.

  • Data Visualization: World Happiness Trends

    Data Visualization: World Happiness Trends

    Could the number of women in a nation’s government have an impact on its happiness? Can air quality effect the mood of a population? Do trains make people happier? Explore World Happiness Report data and trends that might also contribute to a country’s overall well-being.

  • First World Happiness Report Launched at the United Nations

    The happiest countries in the world are all in Northern Europe (Denmark, Norway, Finland, Netherlands). Their average life evaluation score is 7.6 on a 0-to-10 scale. The least happy countries are all poor countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Togo, Benin, Central African Republic, Sierra Leone) with average life evaluation scores of 3.4. But it is not…