you asked Archives - State of the Planet

aerial view of smoke from a power plant

How Exactly Does Carbon Dioxide Cause Global Warming?

CO2 molecules make up only a small percentage of the atmosphere, but their impact on our climate is huge. The reason comes down to physics and chemistry.

by |February 25, 2021
lava in hawaii eruption

You Asked: Why Is it So Hard to Predict Volcanic Eruptions?

Volcanologist Einat Lev tackles reader questions and explains how more monitoring of volcanoes could save lives.

by Divya Agarwala |February 9, 2021

You Asked: What’s It Going to Take to Adapt to Climate Change?

Paleoecologist Kevin Uno explains how humans have been adapting to changes in climate for thousands of years, and how we need to adapt now to protect our species’ future.

by |February 3, 2021
radley horton

You Asked: What Can We Do About Climate Tipping Points?

Climate scientist Radley Horton tackles questions about climate tipping points, and how we can tip the scales in a safer direction.

by |January 29, 2021
gisela winckler headshot with ocean background

You Asked: If the Science is Clear, Why Do We Need More Climate Research?

Climate scientist Gisela Winckler explains the link between climate science and solutions, and shares some of her research adventures.

by |January 26, 2021
angel munoz in a vineyard

You Asked: How Does Carbon Dioxide Get So High Up Into the Atmosphere?

If CO2 is heavier than oxygen, why doesn’t it stay near the ground? The short answer: Earth’s atmosphere isn’t like a sealed bottle of wine.

by |September 23, 2020
map of gulf stream temperatures

How Will Climate Change Impact the Gulf Stream?

Evidence suggests that this major ocean current, which influences the weather in parts of Europe and the U.S., is already changing.

by |January 2, 2020

You Asked: How Can We Track Corporate Sustainability Measures?

An Earth Institute expert explains how to dig up a company’s sustainability records.

by |November 7, 2019
wetland in indiana

You Asked: Do Artificial and Enhanced Wetlands Work?

A paleoecologist explains why it’s actually a bad idea to “drain the swamp.”

by |October 4, 2019

You Asked: Does Carbon Capture Technology Actually Work?

We have the technology to capture and store millions of tons of carbon globally. Now all that’s lagging is the policy.

by |September 27, 2019