Urban Environment Lab

Today's Research on the Challenges of Sustainable Development

The current social context surrounding climate change is ushering in a new era of land use, planning, and development, one that reconsiders the role of natural disasters, natural resources, and environmental impacts on the communities in which we live. The Urban Environment Lab engages students, policy-makers, and research partners in collaborative projects and discussions on the determinants of hazard vulnerability, community resilience, sustainable development, and infrastructure adaptation at the intersection of the natural, social, and built environments.

MR 2025: Building Mobility, Resilience and Connection in a Changing Climate June 11, 2025
At MR2025, local and international scientists, policymakers, academics and community members will join representatives from different sectors to discuss climate mobility, adaptation and wellbeing.
Olga Rukovets
Rethinking Energy Systems in the Age of AI June 10, 2025
To view data centers as mainly energy-intensive off-takers misses their potential as digital and energy infrastructure multipliers.
Guest
Student Spotlight: For This MA Candidate, the Path to Climate Policy Is Personal June 9, 2025
Saira Ramirez Mingueta plans on working at the intersection of climate justice, public health and policy.
Guest
Leveraging the Power of Open Source Data To Map the World’s Oceans June 8, 2025
In honor of World Oceans Day, marine geophysicist Vicki Ferrini discusses the current state of ocean research, and the important role international collaboration plays in this field.
Olga Rukovets
Student Spotlight: Advancing Equity Through Clean Energy Policy June 4, 2025
Nicholas Britton, a student in Columbia’s MPA-ESP program, believes equitable energy access is a fundamental human right and a powerful lever for climate and equity solutions.
Guest

Urban Environment Lab

Today's Research on the Challenges of Sustainable Development

State of the Planet