LDEO December 2025 Newsletter: Earth & Environmental Science News

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Image of Earth from space with Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory logo and text Lamont Newsletter: Every Continent. Every Ocean.

Community Connections

PhD student Eden Halpert sampling rice in Cambodia.

PhD student Eden Halpert sampling rice in Cambodia. For her PhD, she is examining the effect of climate variability on rice arsenic levels, and working with farming communities to optimize methods of making rice production more resilient to climate change. Credit: Benjamin Bostick, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

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. At a time when research funding is increasingly uncertain, your support is more important than ever. Every dollar donated stays at Lamont, supporting Lamont science and scientists.

Support Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
 
Stream of well water pouring into a metal pitcher. Credit: Lingkon Serao

Reducing Arsenic in Drinking Water Cuts Risk of Death, Even After Years of Chronic Exposure

A 20-year study of nearly 11,000 adults in Bangladesh found that lowering arsenic levels in drinking water reduced the risk of death from chronic illnesses, compared with continued exposure.

Learn More
 
Coring at Rano Kao on Rapa Nui by James Van Hook, Billy D'Andrea, Nicholas Balascio, and Lorelei Curtin. Credit: Andrea Seelenfreund

What Really Happened on Easter Island? Ancient Sediments Rewrite the "Ecocide" Story 

A new study challenges long-held narratives of societal “collapse,” instead showing that Rapanui communities adapted to profound climate stress with resilience and innovation.

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In Sylhet, the hills raised by the tectonic forces are used to grow tea, while the flat lowlands and valleys are covered by rice. Here we can see the boundary between tea and rice.

Repairing Global Navigation Satellite Systems in the Land of Tea

Mike Steckler is back in Sylhet, Bangladesh, to repair GNSS stations that are monitoring tectonics and earthquake hazards, and measuring the sinking of the land in the world's biggest delta.

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The team outside of the Khepupara station with a cameo appearance by their van where they spend many hours in transit from place to place.

Continuing on to Comilla, Dhaka and the Coast

After fixing their global navigation satellite system equipment in Sylhet, Mike Steckler and his team traveled south to repair more stations in Comilla, then to Dhaka and the coast

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Researchers in a rice field changing an antenna.

Driving Around the Bangladesh Coastal Zone

Mike Steckler and team continue their travels around the coastal zone of the world’s largest delta in Bangladesh to repair GNSS instruments.

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Team in country boat sailing through tidal channels to Hiron Point. Credit: Mike Steckler

Sailing Around the Bangladesh Coastal Zone

The future sustainability of the delta depends on the balance of sea level rise, the subsidence of the land, and the deposition of sediments that can help maintain the land.

Learn More
 
Aerial views of Amazon rainforest and Columbia University with text UN Climate Change Conference COP30, Belém, Brazil, November 10-21, 2025

10 Delegates From Columbia and the Climate School Discuss What They Hope to Achieve at COP30

Our experts including Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory microbial oceanographer Sonya Dyhrman share their goals for this year's global climate summit in Brazil.

Learn More
 
Dargan Shelter. Credit: Amy Way

Humans Occupied a High-Altitude Site in Australia During the Last Ice Age, New Study Finds

Archaeologists and local First Nations groups have uncovered early evidence that reshapes our historical understanding of high-altitude human occupation and mobility.

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Satellite view of Earth with text Lamont at AGU25

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year's theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection...from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. Learn More

Be sure to stop by our Booth #1015 for various activities, including meeting some of our experts throughout the day! And if you’re on social media, we’d love to hear from you during AGU! Share your experiences by tagging us on X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 
AGU Lamont & DEES Annual Reception - Tuesday, December 16, 2025, New Orleans, LA

Lamont and DEES alumni, students, faculty, and staff, join us on December 16 7-9pm ET for drinks, light bites, and conversation. Learn More/Register

 
 
Map of the world with the text Upcoming Fieldwork

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

Collage of images of Earth and sea with text Public Lecture Series

On December 3 6-8pm ET, join us for our next Public Lecture, Uncovering Hidden Earthquake Faults: New Insights into the Greater New York Region Seismic Hazards, with Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory structural geologist Folarin Kolawole who will unveil the discovery of a previously hidden active fault zone in New Jersey. 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

 
Earth Observations: Conversations with Lamont Scientists

On December 10 12pm ET, join us for Lessons From Past Ice Shelves on Future Ice Sheet Stability, a conversation with geological oceanographer Brendan Reilly and geochemist Sidney Hemming hosted by Arthur Lerner-Lam. This event is part of our virtual series Earth Observations: Conversations with Lamont Scientists. Learn More/RSVP

 
Artwork hanging on wall

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.

 
 

Education

Group of students in a forest next to a stream with text Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains Campus-Based Summer Programs

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.

As part of the program, students dive into specialized tracks that illuminate the many pathways to climate impact. In the Climate Finance & Entrepreneurship track, students visited Wasted, a Burlington-based startup transforming an everyday resource—human urine—into nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants. At their processing facility, students met with the lead engineer to learn how the team developed technology capable of separating and treating liquid and solid waste streams for safe, sustainable reuse. They also explored Wasted’s startup journey, gaining insight into the stages of building a climate-focused company, from early prototyping to funding rounds and operational scale-up. It was an inspiring look at circular economy innovation in action!

Apply now to join a community of young changemakers creating solutions for a sustainable future in the Green Mountains Program!

 
Group of Polar CAP students completing a climate systems mapping activity.

Summer 2026 Polar CAP (Polar Climate Ambassador Program)

Applications for the summer 2026 Polar Climate Ambassador High School Internship Program will open in January 2026! Our 6-week internship takes a deep dive into the polar regions and the role of snow and ice in Earth’s climate system. This non-residential internship for local high school students operates from the Lamont-Doherty campus and focuses on building climate and data literacy and critical communication skills. Meet some of our past interns, learn about some of their contributions, and return in January to apply! Questions? Contact Margie Turrin.

 
Chalkboard with chalk drawings of eco-friendly images such as solar panels and bicycles with text Climate LIVE K-12 Education.

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 December 10, 4-4:30pm ET, join Columbia Climate School's Office of Undergraduate Programs for Inside College Life: Students' Perspective on Sustainability! In this session, sustainable development students will share first-hand experiences of applying to college, studying sustainability, and navigating the dynamic, interdisciplinary world of sustainable development. From field research to internships, discover how undergraduates are shaping real-world solutions and building careers that make a difference. RSVP today (free but registration required)!

 
 

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.

Next Gen interns in waders about to go seining in the Hudson River Estuary.

The Next Generation of Hudson River Scientists and Educators High School Summer Internship Program applications for summer 2026 will open in January 2026! This 6-week internship is based out of the Lamont-Doherty Field Station, and offers local high school students an opportunity to gain important scientific research skills, learn about the dynamic Hudson River Estuary, and become science communicators to educate the public about important environmental issues. We highly encourage students who are interested in pursuing careers in marine science, environmental science, or who want to learn more about field science to apply. Check out what past summer interns have accomplished, and return in January to apply! Questions? Contact Marisa Annunziato.

 

Lamont in the Media (Select Stories)

Atmospheric River Brings North America's Driest Place 25 Percent of Its Yearly Rainfall in a Single Day
IFL Science

Snow Surveyors: Community Contributions to Climate Science
Kaatscast: the Catskills Podcast

Reducing Exposure to Arsenic in Household Essential Slashes Cancer and Heart Disease Death by 50%
The Daily Mail

Can Methane Cuts Pull Us Back from the Brink of Climate Breakdown?
The Guardian

Inge Lehmann: The Ground-Breaking Seismologist Who Faced a Rocky Road to Success
PhysicsWorld

The Disaster to Come: New York’s Next Superstorm
New York Times

The Surface of the Earth Is Literally Crumbling Under Our Feet
Popular Mechanics

The Dry Line
Marketplace

Tectonic Plates Colliding May Influence Pacific Northwest Seismic Risk
New Atlas

Turning Point: Global Greenhouse Emissions Will Soon Flatten or Decline—a Historic Moment Driven by China’s Surge in Renewable Energy
Science

More Media Stories
 
 
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