LDEO May 2026 Newsletter: Earth & Environmental Science News
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Force of Nature
Evidence of spring at Comer Building, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, one of our 2026 Columbia Beautiful Planet selections in celebration of Earth Month. Credit: Kelly Fenton-Samuels
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.
In Eastern Africa, the Cradle of Humankind Is Tearing Apart
Researchers have found that Earth’s underlying crust in the Turkana Rift region has been significantly thinned, presaging Africa’s eventual breakup—and with that finding, the researchers offer a new perspective on Turkana’s fossil record of human evolution.
Tree Rings Reveal Hurricane Impacts and Emerging Sea-Level Stress in Coastal Forests
New research suggests that trees largely recover from storms within two years, and that coastal trees may be stressed from sea-level rise.
Sinking Land Drives Hidden Flood Risk in One of the World’s Most Populated Regions
A new study finds that land subsidence is outpacing ocean-driven sea-level rise along the northern coastline of Java Island, Indonesia.
A Complicated Future for a Methane-Cleansing Molecule
A new model shows how levels of the “atmosphere’s detergent” may rise and fall in response to climate change.
Two Sustainability Students See Opportunity Hidden in Laundry-Induced Microplastic Pollution
Students and faculty at Columbia’s M.S. in Sustainability Management and Sustainability Science programs turned cutting-edge research on microplastics into Moby Filter, a sustainability startup tackling laundry-induced pollution at its source.
Decoding the Arctic Ocean’s Chemical Clues
Laramie Jensen’s interest in inorganic and analytical chemistry led her to the ocean. And then to the North Pole.
Climate School Experts on Congestion Pricing’s First Year
Three of our experts weigh in on the success of New York City's congestion pricing program.
Columbia Beautiful Planet 2026
Once again, we honor Earth Day by sharing some amazing photos celebrating the beauty and magic of our planet, as captured by the Columbia community.
Exploring Connections Between Environment and Society
Aynsley Kretschmar, a soon-to-be graduate of the M.A. in Climate and Society program, reflects on the skills she’s gained from her time at Columbia, as well as what she’s most excited about for her future.
In an Alpine Plant Species, Ancient Alleles May Help Drive Climate Change Adaptation
Researchers found that two alleles in the wood pink plant species may allow the perennials to adapt to warming temperatures.
Indigenous Herders and Peru’s Melting Glaciers: A Conversation with Anthropologist Allison Caine
Caine’s new book depicts a small community in the glacier-fed Peruvian Highlands as it navigates climate change and social pressures.
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
Our recent Earth Observations conversation, Pollution and Health: From Local Problems to Global Impact, features geochemist Benjamin Bostick and atmospheric scientist Róisín Commane of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. This event is part of our virtual series Earth Observations: Conversations with Lamont Scientists hosted by Arthur Lerner-Lam. View Recording
Our recent Public Lecture, NASA's Billion $$$ Samples: Space Rocks, Open Science, and the Era of AI, features Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory geochemist Kerstin Lehnert sharing the story of samples from space and explaining NASA’s choice of selecting Lamont-Doherty as their digital home. The lecture explores 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. View Recording
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 happen throughout the year. The Field Station drop-in hours 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.
Upcoming Events at the Field Station!
Join us for World Fish Migration Day on May 30 from 12-4 pm! Each year, several migratory fish species move into the Hudson River as part of an annual journey toward their upriver spawning locations. Lamont has partnered with the Hudson River Estuary Program to lead a day that links multiple partners in both celebrating this migration and looking at which species are beginning their journey. Join us at Piermont Pier to go seining and identify some of these migratory species, and learn more about how the Hudson is used as a spawning habitat by a range of marine species!
Our weekly summer Science Saturdays will begin again on June 6 from 12-4 pm! Join us to learn more about the Hudson Estuary, get an opportunity to interact with the abundant wildlife that calls the Hudson home, and participate in interactive environmental activities.
Education
Join our education team for our May community events!
The month of May takes us out into the community again for hands-on science opportunities. On Thursday May 7 5-7:30pm, we will be at Clarkstown South High School as a community partner for 2026 STEAMfest! This is a family-focused event, so join us!
On Saturday May 16 11am-3pm, we will be at Pier 84 in New York City as part of this year's annual SUBMERGE Festival. This fun, free, family-friendly event promises to be a great day out along the Hudson waterfront with shows, music, fish tanks, and all things marine!
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 are embedded into fieldwork so they can better understand the ecosystems around them, gain a baseline assessment of ecosystem health, and gain skills in collecting and analyzing data. One of the first field days takes place right on the Vermont State University Castleton campus, where students assess the water quality of a nearby creek using macroinvertebrates—tiny aquatic organisms that begin their lives in water before transitioning to land or air. Because different species have varying tolerances to pollution, the presence of a diverse range—including more sensitive species—indicates strong water quality. Through this hands-on experience, students learn how to interpret ecological data while building a deeper connection to the local environment.
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 May 13, 4-4:30pm ET, join us for The Heart of Climate Justice: A Just Transition Toward Collective Care. Explore how the pursuit of climate justice must also center human and ecological well-being, challenging extractive systems that harm both people and the planet. Drawing from global movements and lived experience, it asks what it means to build a future where justice is measured not only in emissions reductions, but in the depth of our care, the dignity of our relations, and the flourishing of life in all its forms. RSVP today (free but registration required)!
Lamont in the Media (Select Stories)
Massive Russian Earthquake Triggered Increased Seismicity in Eastern North America
Seismological Society of America
New Jersey Bans Sale, Spread of 30 Invasive Trees, Plants
CBS News New York
National Women’s Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Induction Class Celebrating Women Who Broke Barriers and Changed the World
National Women’s Hall of Fame
