LDEO February 2026 Newsletter: Earth & Environmental Science News
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Heart of Science
Nuuk, Greenland's capital, is located on the southwest coast of Greenland tucked inside a fjord at the mouth of the Nuup Kangerlua and the Labrador Sea. Nuuk, like much of Greenland, is built around coastal access, where changes in sea level will affect communities. Quantifying and understanding sea level changes and using this information to help Greenland plan for its future was the goal behind Greenland Rising/Kalaallit Nunaat qaffappoq, a recent National Science Foundation–funded collaborative project of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR), and local Greenland communities. Credit: Margie Turrin
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.
Greenland Ice Cap Vanished Just 7,000 Years Ago
The first study from GreenDrill finds that Greenland’s Prudhoe Dome ice cap had fully melted much more recently than previously thought.
Sea Levels Are Rising — But in Greenland, They Will Fall
Even as global warming causes sea levels to rise worldwide, sea levels around Greenland will likely drop, according to a new paper.
Human Activity Is Driving Rapid Sinking of World's River Deltas
New research, published in Nature, documents the rate of elevation loss in the world’s deltas, and finds that people are the primary reason for it.
TRACX Program Connects Educators Worldwide with Ocean Science Research
Last summer, teachers from around the globe got a hands-on opportunity to engage in research alongside scientists at the Gulf Coast Repository at Texas A&M University.
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 February 11 12pm ET, join us for Freshwater and the Sustainability of Bangladesh’s Delta, a conversation with geochemist Lex van Geen and geophysicist Michael Steckler 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
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.
Our community science projects are starting back up in late February/early March! Please join us as we have many different opportunities for you to be involved! There are many benefits including learning more about local research, being part of a science community, building an appreciation for the natural environment, working outdoors conducting field work, and for high schoolers, gaining community service hours! Programs include oyster monitoring, fish diversity and abundance, microplastic survey, plankton survey, marine debris survey, and water quality monitoring. We will be launching a brand new community science project focused on water birds this spring! Contact Marisa Annunziato to get involved!
Education
Summer Internships
Lamont is home to a number of summer high school internship programs. Each focuses on learning and science in action with a slightly different focus, and operates for 6 weeks during the summer. All of these programs are now accepting applications for summer 2026 through the end of February. Note that all of these programs are non-residential day programs.
Secondary School Field Research Program combines field and laboratory work to explore a variety of Earth system processes through research teams composed of high school students, 2 undergraduate mentors, and a Lamont researcher for science support, with teachers participating as support resources. The program runs July 6 through August 15, 2026. The primary field site is Piermont Marsh, with Lamont as homebase, and secondary locations in NYC. The program focuses on NYC students. For more information on how to apply, email SSFRP.
Next Generation of Hudson River Scientists & Educators operates out of the Lamont Hudson River Field Station on Piermont Pier. This program focuses on the Hudson River with a focus on existing and potential future climate impacts. Sampling and research teams are composed of high school students, 2 undergraduate mentors, and our science team. The program runs June 29 through August 8, 2026. The primary field site is the Piermont Pier, and the program focuses on local Rockland and New Jersey students. To learn more, visit our project website, review application instructions, and apply by March 1, 2026. Questions? Email Marisa Annunziato.
The Polar CAP (Climate Ambassadors Program) operates from the main Lamont campus. This program focuses on creating climate communications. It brings together high school students interested in learning and communicating about the importance of our polar regions in the climate change discussion. The interns meet with different scientists and develop communication skills and resources that are shared with the public through different events, including participating in one or two Science Saturdays at the Piermont Field and through other community events. The program runs July 6 through August 15, 2026. To learn more, visit our project website, review application instructions, and apply by March 1, 2026. Questions? Email Margie Turrin.
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.
In the Sustainable Planning and the Built Environment track, students explored how cities can be designed to be climate smart and more sustainable. Students spent the morning at Burlington Electric Department, the first city in the U.S. to source 100% of the electricity from renewable generation, where they toured the facility, learned how Burlington achieved its renewable energy goals, and saw innovations like the city’s fully electric bucket truck in action.
Students also learned about community-based energy efficiency programs that help residents save money by using less energy. The day concluded with a walking tour of Burlington led by Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, where students discussed the city’s Net Zero Roadmap and the South End Coordinated Redevelopment (SECORD) project—highlighting the planning and collaboration required to build resilient, sustainable communities.
Register for an upcoming virtual information session (February 19, March 19), or 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 February 11, 4-4:30pm ET, join us for The Secret Life of a Dress. In this session, Sally Qiu, co-director of Columbia Climate School Fashion, Energy, and Climate Earth Network, traces the journey of a single garment to reveal the global story behind what we wear: the energy it consumes, the people who make it, and the waste it leaves behind. Learn how small actions and big ideas can help reimagine fashion's future. RSVP today (free but registration required)!
Lamont in the Media (Select Stories)
