Center for Sustainable Development Archives - State of the Planet

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.

by |March 19, 2021
line of buses and vans

Why Fines and Jail Time Won’t Change the Behavior of Ghana’s Minibus Drivers

Research shows that a range of structural factors, including exploitative labor relations and police corruption, compel and solicit dangerous driving behavior.

by Festival Godwin Boateng  |March 17, 2021

Radhika Iyengar Tackles Educational Inequalities in Developing Countries

She’s fighting for access to education for some of India’s most marginalized groups, and finding creative ways to blur the line between schools and communities.

by |March 8, 2021

Join Us for the NY-NJ Climate Education Youth Summit

The five-day gathering will discuss links between the climate crisis and education, and help students learn how to address sustainability issues in their communities.

by Haein Shin |February 3, 2021
two people reading books

Book Club With Jeffrey Sachs Will Examine the Most Important Topics for Humanity

The free, global forum will feature monthly interviews with renowned authors about their groundbreaking work in sustainability, economics, history, social justice, and more.

by Florencia Librizzi and Juliana Bartels |January 27, 2021
illustration shows urban area with greenery

Online Event Discusses the Role of Education in Building Resilient Cities

The event was part of a series on reimagining cities, co-hosted by the Consulate General of Denmark in New York and the Center for Sustainable Development.

by Haein Shin |December 16, 2020
kids in a classroom

The Biden-Harris Climate Plan Misses a Crucial Element: Education

Educators explain why climate change education is important, and share their ideas for how the Biden administration could give this neglected topic its due attention.

by Radhika Iyengar |November 17, 2020
ismini etheridge

Staff Spotlight: Ismini Ethridge, Special Assistant at the Center for Sustainable Development

Growing up in a multicultural family, surrounded by champions of social and environmental justice, helped to set the stage for her work at CSD.

by Judy Jamal |September 28, 2020
youths holding signs supporting environmental causes

How the Eco Ambassador Program is Transforming Environmental Education

The program from Columbia’s Center for Sustainable Development is equipping young people with skills to address environmental crises in their communities.

by Center for Sustainable Development |September 24, 2020
map on Zoom

Summer Program Helps Youths Identify Public Health Concerns in Their Communities

Learn-Try-Apply interns created plans to address problems of nutrition, mental wellness and substance abuse in their own communities.

by Haein Shin and Lolimar Peña |September 11, 2020