Adrienne Kenyon, Author at State of the Planet

Students Push Columbia Towards Carbon Neutrality

Columbia for Carbon Neutrality, led by sophomores Arianna Menzelos and Meredith Harris, wants the university to commit to being carbon neutral by 2030.

by |January 30, 2019

Tracking Respiratory Infections in NYC, With or Without Symptoms

There’s a lot we don’t know about respiratory viruses and how they spread. A study currently underway seeks to unravel these mysteries, in part by studying people who are healthy enough to be walking around in Manhattan.

by |February 26, 2018
christmas tree decorations

How to Make the Holidays More Sustainable

It can be tough to balance holiday celebrations with a sustainable lifestyle, but there are ways to make greener choices without becoming a grinch.

by |December 8, 2017

Fighting Ivory Trafficking with Forensic Science

Last week, just days before Central Park’s big Ivory Crush, a Lamont-Doherty geochemist and his colleague sawed off samples of the confiscated ivory for DNA testing and radiocarbon dating. Their results could determine where and when each elephant was killed—which could help catch the poachers responsible.

by |August 11, 2017

Analyzing Winter Storm Risk and Resilience in a Changing Climate

A new study analyzing storm intensity and impacts in the New York metro area aims to inform how communities can better prepare for winter storms and enhance resiliency as the effects of climate change exacerbate hazards.

by |August 8, 2017

Watch Video–Sea Level Rise: Causes, Impacts and Options for Solutions

On July 12, the Earth Institute will bring together experts from science, government and the private sector to discuss causes, implications and potential adaptation strategies for sea level rise.

by |July 5, 2017

Columbia Affirms Commitment to Climate Action

Columbia joins leaders from across higher education, the private sector and state and local governments in affirming their commitment to the Paris Agreement.

by |June 6, 2017

The Paris Climate Agreement: What Trump’s Decision to Leave Means

In the wake of the decision by the Trump administration to withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate agreement, several questions have emerged about what withdrawal means for environmental policy, research and innovation.

by |June 1, 2017

Student Writing Project Exposes NYC’s Illegal Ivory Trade

For a term project, Wendy Hapgood, MSSM ’16, investigated the possible illegal sale of ivory at shops in Manhattan. She found evidence for the largest ivory bust in New York state history.

by |March 29, 2017

Earth Institute Photography Exhibit Opens at Low Memorial Library

A new photography exhibit in the Rotunda at Columbia University’s Low Memorial Library highlights the variety and global reach of the Earth Institute’s mission

by |March 6, 2017