International Research Institute for Climate and Society Archives - State of the Planet

Earth Day 2021: What We Can Learn From the Past Year

A look back at the past year and lessons from the pandemic that might help in solving climate change.

by |April 7, 2021
A shepherd and his herd in Senegal

Combining Indigenous and Scientific Knowledge Enhances Fire Management in the Sahel

A less predictable climate is undermining traditional decision-making around controlled burns in the Sahel. Columbia’s ACToday project is forging connections to enhance these communities’ resilience to the changing climate.

by Natalie Duncan |March 19, 2021
people sitting around a table with food

How Universities Can Support Interdisciplinary Careers for Climate and Sustainability Progress

A webinar on March 17 will explore the issue in-depth.

by |March 12, 2021
collage of four student photos

Students Reflect on New Science Communications Course

Four students share their final projects for the class and talk about their biggest takeaways.

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
young man walks behind cattle plowing field

Video: Adapting Agriculture to Climate Today, for Tomorrow

The project aims to combat hunger by increasing climate knowledge in six countries that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and fluctuations.

by |March 3, 2021
J. Nicolas Hernandez-Aguilera (right) on a tour of a shade-grown coffee farm in the Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia

Coffee for the Birds: Connecting Bird-watchers With Shade-grown Coffee

A new study explores whether bird-friendly coffee is on the radar of bird watchers: Are they drinking it and, if not, why not?

by |March 2, 2021
Gloriose Nsengiyumva headshot

Q&A With Gloriose Nsengiyumva, Who Puts Climate Adaptation Into Action

Seasonal climate forecasts can help farmers stave off poverty and hunger. Nsengiyumva helps farmers in Africa interpret those forecasts.

by Jacqueline Turner |February 11, 2021
Elisabeth Ilboudo Nébié sitting on concrete wall

Lisa Ilboudo Nébié: Studying Food Security, Environmental Changes and Migration in West Africa

She studies how environmental changes impact communities around the world, and how communities adapt.

by |February 11, 2021
christine mccarthy with ice structure

EI LIVE K12 Is Back for Spring 2021

Our popular video series for students, educators, and parents returns with an exciting lineup from January to June.

by |January 8, 2021