Look At Glaciers Past Suggests Greenland Melting Could Rapidly Heighten Sea Level

In the face of a warming climate, researchers have yet to agree on how much and how quickly melting of the Greenland ice sheet may contribute to sea level rise. To shed light on this question, scientists at the University of Wisconsin and Columbia University’s Center for Climate Systems Research (CCSR) analyzed the disappearance of the Laurentide ice sheet, which covered much of North America during the last ice age. The findings suggest that such melting can happen very rapidly, and could begin by the end of this century.

Earthquakes May Endanger New York More Than Thought

A study by a group of prominent seismologists suggests that a pattern of subtle but active faults makes the risk of earthquakes to the New York City area substantially greater than formerly believed. Among other things, they say that the controversial Indian Point nuclear power plants, 24 miles north of the city, sit astride the previously unidentified intersection of two active seismic zones.

Tides Foundation Awards $1.9 million Matching Challenge Gift to Promote Sustainable Urban Development

The Tides Foundation awarded the Earth Institute’s Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI) with a challenge gift of up to $1.9 million (through December 2009) to promote sustainable development in selected mid-sized cities across sub-Saharan Africa, in an effort to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The first gift matched came from Charles and Elizabeth Bowlus, who donated $200,000 for unrestricted support of the MCI.

New York Launches Survival Strategy for Climate Change

New York mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has launched a Climate Change Adaptation Task Force aimed at securing the city’s critical infrastructure against rising seas, higher temperatures and fluctuating water supplies projected to result from climate change. Researchers at the Earth Institute will play key roles in a new scientific panel advising the effort.

Top Science Award Goes to Climate Researcher Wallace Broecker

Wallace S. Broecker, a geochemist whose seminal studies made him one of the earliest voices to warn of global climate change, has been awarded the prestigious Balzan Prize. The $885,000 prize, one of the world’s largest, is given to honor outstanding scientific, cultural and humanitarian initiatives that advance world peace.

Environmental and Sustainable Development Education Programs Open House

Columbia University invites you to join us on October 20th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. for the Environmental and Sustainable Development Programs Open House, hosted by the Earth Institute’s Office of Academic and Research Programs, to learn about the many degree and non-degree programs Columbia offers in earth systems, environmental policy and sustainable development.

If you would like to support the great work of the Earth Institute, we invite you to learn more.