featured story Archives - State of the Planet

Grilled sausages and green vegetables - zucchini, asparagus, bell pepper, garlic, lemon and rosemary on cast iron grill pan

11 Ways the Biden Administration Could Reduce Emissions From the Food System

As the president’s April 22 climate summit draws near, the federal action plan should focus on the enormous opportunities for emissions reductions in the food system.

by Kevin Karl and David Sandalow |April 8, 2021
a person pulls coffee beans from a bag with two hands

Avoiding a Bitter End for Coffee From Climate Change

Students were looking for a link between climate stressors and coffee yield, but instead they found a complicated political relationship.

by |April 2, 2021

Tidal Communities Make Their Case for Shaping Resilient Coastal Futures

A recent conversation focused on three coastlines where Indigenous and Black communities are caught between rising seas and societal and development threats on land.

by |March 29, 2021

Earth Institute Statement on Anti-Asian Violence

We unequivocally condemn these acts of violence, and express our support for the Asian American community at this difficult time.

by Alex Halliday |March 18, 2021

Chasing Gold, Geysers and Geothermal Power With Carolina Muñoz-Saez

The postdoctoral researcher studies hydrothermal systems and will soon go to the Chilean Andes to explore how geyser activity there may be related to glacier growth and retreat over thousands of years.

by |March 11, 2021
lisa goddard speaking into a microphone

Q&A With Lisa Goddard on Leadership in Climate Science

Originally one of few women in her field, Goddard transformed her difference into an advantage. Today she is internationally recognized for her research and leadership in climate science.

by |March 8, 2021
judy jamal

Staff Spotlight: Judy Jamal, Coordinator in the Earth Institute Director’s Office

For this month’s spotlight, we turn the tables and interview the incredible woman who makes the Staff Spotlight series possible.

by |March 8, 2021
mingfang ting photo

A Climate Scientist Rides the (Rossby) Wave of Discovery

Mingfang Ting studies the connection between planetary waves in the atmosphere and climate anomalies, such as droughts and extreme heat.

by |March 8, 2021

Belinda Archibong: Estimating the Health and Economic Costs of Gas Flaring

In one of her projects, the environmental economist will quantify how air pollution from gas flaring affects human health and cognitive development in children.

by |March 8, 2021
wind turbines on a hilltop

Biden Should Keep Trump’s Reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act

Throwing out the changes could make the new administration’s climate initiatives harder to implement.

by David R. Hill |March 2, 2021