The Earth Institute An Overview of The Earth Institute at Columbia University Science and Solutions for Sustainable Development The Global Challenge Earth is at a critical crossroads. While revolutionary innovation and academic leadership for which the advances in science and technology have lifted University is known. The Earth Institute encompasses humanity to new heights of prosperity and longevity in centers of excellence with an established reputation many parts of the world, hundreds of millions of people for groundbreaking research, including the renowned are vulnerable to the impacts of hazards and natural Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, home to some of disasters, extreme poverty, infectious disease and a the world’s leading scientists pursuing the study of host of other challenges. At the same time, human Earth and its systems. The Earth Institute is imple- activity, especially in the last 100 years, is threatening menting solutions to global challenges; pioneering the health of the environment and potentially posing research; advising national governments, the United risks of unprecedented magnitude to our shared future. Nations and other international agencies; and educating the next generation of leaders in sus- Today, approximately one in six people on the planet tainable development. subsist on less than $1 a day. The world’s population is expected to increase to 9 billion people by 2050, While Earth is indeed at a critical crossroads, our work further straining Earth’s resources and humanity’s reflects the fundamental belief that the world has within ability to thrive. With a window of opportunity to head its possession the tools needed to effectively mitigate off the most severe impacts of these challenges, The climate change, poverty and other critical issues. Earth Institute at Columbia University is working to help the world pave a path toward sustainability. Sustainable Development The Earth Institute is confronting the 21st century’s Taking a Bold Approach most pressing problems by taking a bold and innovative The Earth Institute’s overarching goal is to help achieve approach to achieve sustainable development. This sustainable development primarily by expanding the approach prioritizes the protection of Earth’s eco- world’s understanding of Earth as one integrated systems, oceans and atmosphere as well as the spread system. We work toward this goal through scientific of social and economic opportunities for all people. research, education and the practical application of research for solving real-world challenges. With 850 To achieve sustainable development, The Earth Institute scientists, postdoctoral fellows and students working is conducting and applying interdisciplinary scientific in and across more than 20 Columbia University research to address many cross-cutting issues. We research centers, The Earth Institute is helping to believe that finding solutions to one problem, such as advance nine interconnected global issues: climate extreme poverty, must involve tackling other related and society, water, energy, poverty, ecosystems, public challenges, such as environmental degradation and health, food and nutrition, hazards and urbanization. lack of access to health care and education. Anchored in this unique approach, The Earth Institute is leading With Columbia University as its foundation, The Earth the way in this promising and dynamic new field. Institute draws upon the scientific rigor, technological Partnerships for Progress Examples of Earth Institute Initiatives While The Earth Institute is contributing substantially Reconstructing the Climate Past for Future to global problem solving, people and organizations Understanding around the world have a fundamental role to play in Through sediment and ice cores, scientists gain a successfully achieving sustainable development. clearer snapshot of Earth’s climate past, helping the world understand its future climate and potential Over the next decade, The Earth Institute will continue impacts of climate change and variability on society. to build partnerships with academia, corporations, nonprofits and individuals as well as governmental, Hotspots Project multilateral and private institutions to find effective By creating new models for assessing the global risks and sustainable solutions for the world’s challenges. of disaster-related outcomes, risk-based disaster management and emergency response strategies By forging close ties with stakeholders in all aspects can help mitigate mortality and economic losses. of its work, The Earth Institute is able to expand its reach and more effectively help the world achieve Global Roundtable on Climate Change sustainability. While one organization cannot achieve Twice a year, business and civil leaders convene to sustainable development alone, The Earth Institute is determine how profits and the environment can work committed to playing a major role to ensure a world of together to tackle the global climate and energy crisis. shared prosperity and environmental sustainability. Millennium Villages The Millennium Villages project, based at The Earth Institute at Columbia University, is a science-based bottom-up approach to lifting developing country vil- lages out of the poverty trap that afflicts more than a billion people worldwide. The Earth Institute at Columbia University is the world’s leading academic center confronting the practical challenges of sustainable development. Based on interdisciplinary research and education, The Earth Institute is dedicated to finding effective solutions to humanity’s most urgent challenges, including climate change, sustainable energy, environmental degradation, extreme poverty and natural and human-made hazards, among many others. Our core activities include advancing scientific research, educating and training the next generation of scientists www.earth.columbia.edu and policy-makers and implementing practical solutions to create a more sustainable world. Challenges & Solutions The Earth Institute at Columbia University Challenges & Solutions in Sustainable Development The Earth Institute at Columbia University is working to advance the science, technologies and policies needed to develop practical solutions for our planet’s complex challenges. The hallmark of our approach is rooted in scientific research and innovation that can be applied practically to affect lives and livelihoods. From climate change to the energy crisis, the world’s challenges affect not only the most vulnerable populations, but all of global society. The Earth Institute works across nine cross-cutting themes, tackling problems at their roots, and working with the private and public sectors to devise and implement sound strategies for real-world problem solving. The facts below offer a snapshot of The Earth Institute and how it is working to make the world more sustainable. HEALTH CHALLENGE 1 million people die from malaria every year, 90 percent of them in Africa. SOLUTIONS Increase use of best practices and develop new approaches and innovative financing strategies to significantly Water Energy Urbanization Hazards Health Poverty Food, Ecology Ecosystems Climate & & Nutrition reduceSociety malaria and neglected tropical diseases in Africa. Malaria Quick Impact Initiative CHALLENGE In Rwanda, about 4 percent of adults living in rural areas and as many as 13 percent in Kigali, the country’s capital, are living with HIV/AIDS. SOLUTIONS Devise and deploy an innovative communications system to help Rwanda rapidly scale up enhanced HIV/AIDS clinical services, such as monitoring patients and facilitating treatment. Access Project POVERTY CHALLENGE Today 1 in 6 people—over one billion around the world—live in extreme poverty, defined as subsistence on less than $1 a day. Water Energy Urbanization Hazards Health Poverty Food, EcSOLUTIONSology Ecosystems Climate Starting& at the village level, implement scientifically tested interventions in health, education, nutrition and agriculture & Nutrition Society to help entire communities begin to lift themselves out of extreme poverty. Millennium Villages CHALLENGE 114 million children currently do not have access to basic education. SOLUTIONS In-school feeding programs in parts of rural Africa are helping to nourish children and increase class attendance. One such program is now providing meals to over 17,000 students. School Feeding Program, Millennium Villages WATER CHALLENGE 40 million people in Bangladesh are exposed to toxic levels of arsenic in drinking water. SOLUTIONS Engage an interdisciplinary team of experts, including engineers, hydrologists, public health specialists and Water Energy Urbanization Hazards Health Poverty Food, Ecology Ecosystems Climate & others to help communities& Nutrition Societ iny Bangladesh have viable options for safe water and tackle health impacts. Earth Clinic Bangladesh project CHALLENGE Dwindling water sources and prolonged periods of drought are increasing the likelihood of conflict among people who are dependent on abundant rain for their lives and livelihoods. SOLUTIONS Conduct research investigating the relationship between rainfall and high-level conflicts to advance the understanding of how such conflicts are formed and perhaps can be prevented. Center for International Earth Science Information Network ENERGY CHALLENGE The United States emitted 5.8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2006—second to China which became the world’s leader in carbon emissions for the first time. Water Energy Urbanization