LDEO April 2026 Newsletter: Earth & Environmental Science News
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Protecting Our Planet: Earth Day 2026
For over 75 years, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory scientists have been studying the Earth from its deepest interior to the outer reaches of its atmosphere, making groundbreaking discoveries and advancing our knowledge. This Earth Day, join us in helping achieve a just and sustainable future for our planet. Visit our Earth Day website for ideas, resources, and inspiration.
As American science faces cuts in research funding, your support is more important than ever. By making a gift to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory today, you help advance our mission, strengthen our community of researchers, and expand our education and outreach initiatives—ensuring that Lamont continues to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.
In celebration of Earth Day this April, your gift will go twice as far. Thanks to the generosity of Frank and Joanne Gumper, the first $10,000 in gifts made to Lamont will be matched dollar-for-dollar, meaning you will have double the impact this Earth Day.
Earth's "Missing" Billion Years: Study Links the Great Unconformity to Early Tectonics
New findings shed light on a widespread gap in the geologic record, where more than a billion years of Earth’s history appear to have been erased.
New Study Reveals Hidden "Chemical Currency" Fueling the Ocean’s Carbon Cycle
This research identifies a diverse set of molecules released by marine phytoplankton that fuel microbial life and help drive Earth’s carbon cycle.
Antarctica Undergoes 'Greenlandification' As Ice Melt Accelerates
Scientists have found that Antarctica’s ice loss is increasing rapidly, mirroring the melting of its northern counterpart, Greenland.
Art Meets Science at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Lamont’s 2025 Research as Art exhibit provides a platform for scientists to share their research in a creative way.
Bringing Climate Research to New York City's Classrooms
The NYC Mid-Winter Climate Institute brought together K-12 educators to identify meaningful entry points for climate education lessons in their classrooms and beyond.
These Glacier Guardians Are Women
From a photography exhibit of a high-mountain community in the Peruvian Andes to leading research by Columbia scientists, a recent panel celebrated the knowledge and work of women in and around glaciers.
Lamont researchers are in the field studying the dynamics of the planet on every continent and every ocean. Journalists may join and cover expeditions when possible. Learn more about this essential fieldwork.
Events
On April 15 12pm ET, join us for Pollution and Health: From Local Problems to Global Impact, a conversation with geochemist Benjamin Bostick and atmospheric scientist Róisín Commane of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, hosted by Arthur Lerner-Lam. This event is part of our virtual series Earth Observations: Conversations with Lamont Scientists. Learn More/RSVP
On April 29 6-8pm ET, join us for our next Public Lecture, NASA's Billion $$$ Samples: Space Rocks, Open Science, and the Era of AI, with Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory geochemist Kerstin Lehnert who will share the story of samples from space and explain NASA’s choice of selecting Lamont-Doherty as their digital home. The lecture will explore Lamont-Doherty’s leadership in making data and samples openly accessible to researchers and the general public, a role that matters more than ever in the era of AI.
Hosted by Lamont interim director Steven L. Goldstein, this in-person event begins with a reception from 6-7pm ET followed by the discussion from 7-8pm ET. Learn More/RSVP
Art Meets Science
On display at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory are three fascinating art exhibits:
Research as Art featuring works by Lamont researchers (Monell Building through Oct 15, 2026)
Paradise featuring oil paintings by Selva Ozelli and photographs by Ian Hutton (Lamont Café through June 30, 2026)
Climate Disasters Inspired by Great Masters featuring works by Palisades, NY artist Mary Tiegreen in collaboration with BingAI for Climate Change Resources (Monell Building through June 30, 2026)
Contact Miriam Cinquegrana for more information/appointments.
Lamont-Doherty Hudson River Field Station
We are located at 200 Ferry Road, Piermont, NY at the eastern end of Rockland County's Piermont Pier. Community science programs, school education, and special events continue throughout the year, however, Field Station drop-in hours ended in October for the off-season, and will re-start in late May/early June. Our many educational resources and all our sampling data are regularly updated and always available on the Field Station website! Questions about our community science programs, school and group education programs, or upcoming events at the Lamont-Doherty Hudson River Field Station? Contact Marisa Annunziato.
Celebrate Earth Day with Us!
Lamont’s Field Station team will be celebrating Earth Day by participating in St. Thomas Aquinas College's family-friendly Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 18 from 12-5pm, featuring organizations and community groups focused on protecting and learning from our beautiful Earth. Stop by our table to learn more about the Hudson River Estuary and check out local fish and crabs. Learn More
Education
Earth Month: A Time to Focus on Sustainable Planning
Rockland Planning Land Use with Students is an annual program for high schools students in Rockland County who learn about the multiple aspects to land use decision-making as they consider local land use projects. Throughout the project, students are exposed to policy, social, and environmental issues to consider. Climate change has an overarching impact on sustainable land use, which students consider through a series of planning tools they incorporate into their projects, applying mitigation and adaptation strategies. This long-running collaborative project between Lamont and Rockland County brings together community members, decision-makers, and 120 high school students for a final symposium on April 10 in a full day of presentations, discussions, and mentoring.
Summer 2026 Pre-College Program
Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains (July 5-17, 2026) is a two-week, campus-based program in Vermont that empowers high school students to take action on climate change through hands-on learning and community impact.
During the program, students travel to Montpelier, Vermont’s capital, for an immersive look at how climate action takes shape at the state and local levels. Through a guided tour of the State House, students explore how policy is developed and implemented, gaining insights into real-world mechanisms behind climate legislation. The visit came to life through small-group conversations with government officials and climate leaders. The excursion offers a powerful reminder that meaningful climate action often begins at the community level, and that engaged, informed individuals can play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Apply now to join a community of young changemakers creating solutions for a sustainable future in the Green Mountains Program!
Climate LIVE K12 features live lectures and interactive activities with our scientists and experts for K-12 students, educators, families, and the public! FREE! Check out our YouTube archive of all past workshops.
Up Next: On April 8, 4-4:30pm ET, join us for Careers for a Changing Climate: Starting Your Journey in Sustainability. From volunteering and local projects to internships and advocacy, there are many ways for young people to begin shaping a sustainable future and turn their passions into action. In this session, we’ll explore how K12 students can build meaningful experiences today that open doors to careers in conservation and climate action. RSVP today (free but registration required)!
Lamont in the Media (Select Stories)
