Water Archives - State of the Planet

A river flows over various rocks and is surrounded by coniferous trees and mountains in the background

Protecting Yellowstone’s Waters: Proposed Legislation Would Safeguard More of Montana’s Rivers

Montana Senator Jon Tester has proposed a bill that would add 17 rivers to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

by |February 26, 2021
two women researchers pouring water into containers

At the Intersection of Hudson River Microbiology and Environmental Justice With Elise Myers

She’s trying predict fecal bacteria contamination of the river, and researching how environmental degradation disproportionately harms disadvantaged communities.

by |February 11, 2021

Study Locates Origins of Glacier Soot Pollution in Northern India

By sampling snow from glaciers and tracking pollutants back to their source, the study reveals pathways to reduce harmful pollution in the Indian Western Himalayas.

by |February 3, 2021

Student Workshop Proposes Ideas for Resilience in Three Communities

In the fall 2020 course, “Responsiveness and Resilience in the Built Environment,” students learned about sustainability challenges in three urban areas and came up with potential solutions.

by Frederique Fyhr |January 29, 2021
resident stands near rainwater harvesting system

Study Paves Way for Rainwater Harvesting in Mexico City

The city has installed more than 20,000 systems for some its neediest residents.

by |January 14, 2021
brown hills and sparse trees and shrubs

Study Pinpoints Process That Eases Drying in Drylands

Climate change is making drylands drier, but scientists have identified a natural process that helps to ease the loss of surface water in arid areas.

by |January 5, 2021
people sitting on rocks in muddy area

Study Identifies Ways to Limit Arsenic Contamination From Mines

Certain treatments of mining waste can help prevent arsenic runoff from entering local water supplies, according to a new study.

by Emma Venarde |December 10, 2020
Paulina Concha Larrauri standing near a gate

Paulina Concha Larrauri: From Making Detergent to Ensuring Access to Clean Water

At the Columbia Water Center, she has worked to promote equal access to clean water, reduce risks to disadvantaged populations, and protect the environment.

by |September 24, 2020

Fossil Leaves Show High Atmospheric Carbon Spurred Ancient ‘Global Greening’

Scientists studying leaves from a forest that stood during a warm period 23 million years ago have for the first time linked high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide with increased plant growth, as well with the high temperatures of the time.

by |August 20, 2020
clean water and pebbles on beach

Coronavirus Is Improving Water Quality — For Now, At Least

With less pollution entering the air, our waterways are getting cleaner. Whether or not they stay that way is up to us.

by Marco Tedesco |June 8, 2020