explainers
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Animated Infographic: Cool Tips for Hot Days (And Lower Bills)
With the current heatwave gripping the eastern U.S., we’re revisiting this story—originally published back in May—on practical ways to stay comfortable and cut energy costs during extreme weather.
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Nanoplastics Are All Around (and Inside) Us
How are humans exposed to these tiny and ubiquitous plastics? And is there anything we can do about it?
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Powering the Future: Innovative Renewable Energy Projects Around the World
Take a virtual tour of some remarkable renewable energy projects from around the globe, each showcasing innovative technology, ambitious scale, and a commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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Science for the Planet: Tackling the Invisible Threat of Nanoplastics
Beizhan Yan, an environmental geochemist at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, has come up with new methods to detect and analyze tiny plastic particles to better understand their impact on human and environmental health.
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Science for the Planet: Creating Climate Solutions with Urban Communities
Climate School professor Sheila Foster works with frontline communities on climate adaptation strategies.
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Science for the Planet: In Madagascar, Learning From a Library of Human Experience
Archaeologist Kristina Douglass explains how past human adaptation can inform solutions to modern climate challenges.
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Trends in Early 21st Century Spaceflight
This multimedia essay explores some of the trends shaping the contemporary aerospace industry.
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Air Conditioning Poses a Climate Conundrum
The more we cool ourselves, the more we warm the planet. Is there a way to fix this?
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How Climate Change Drives the Spread of Invasive Plants
Abetted by warmer climes, non-native species can take root and wreak havoc in new environments. Is there anything we can do about them?
During COP30—the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference taking place November 10–21 in Belém, Brazil—experts from Columbia Climate School and Columbia University will be contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More
