Warming Climate is Changing Life on a Global Scale

A vast array of physical and biological systems across the earth are being affected by warming temperatures caused by anthropogenic climate change, says a new analysis done by researchers at Columbia University and 10 other institutions. The effects include earlier leafing of trees and plants in many regions; movements of species to higher latitudes and altitudes in the northern hemisphere; and changes in bird migrations in Europe, North America and Australia.

A classified assessment completed by the National Intelligence Council explores how climate change could threaten U.S. security in the next 20 years. CIESIN, a research center at The Earth institute, was one of the major contributors to the report, which looked at how climate change could cause political instability, mass movements of refugees, terrorism and conflicts over water and other natural resources.

Public Health Students Intern in Millennium Villages

Students from the Global Health Track in the Masters of Public Health Program are helping improve water quality and sanitation in rural Africa, and address issues of HIV/AIDS, health clinic management and adolescent health, among other health concerns during 6-month internships with the Millennium Villages project. The internships give students the chance to work with researchers, health practitioners and policymakers in Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Malawi.

Auction of Rare Stamps Supports Work in Africa

Proceeds from the recent sale of a collection of Scandinavian stamps donated by Sue and Bill Gross will support The Earth Institute’s work on the Millennium Villages project in Africa. The nearly $1.6 million generated will help the project expand its development efforts, which currently reach over half a million people in Africa.