The Institute An Overview of at Science and Solutions for

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 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, 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 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 , poverty and other critical issues. Earth Institute at Columbia University is working to help the world pave a path toward . 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, , , poverty, , public challenges, such as environmental degradation and health, food and nutrition, hazards and . 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 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, , 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 ’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 , 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 & 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, 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 Information Network

ENERGY CHALLENGE The emitted 5.8 billion metric tons of dioxide in 2006—second to which became the world’s leader in carbon emissions for the first time.

Water Energy Urbanization Hazards Health Poverty Food, Ecology Ecosystems Climate & SOLUTIONS Conduct &cutting-edge Nutrition Societ researchy to help devise technology that can effectively capture carbon dioxide from the air. Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy

CHALLENGE About 1.5 million people die annually from illnesses related to prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution from open fires. SOLUTIONS Devise a cook stove that is fuel efficient, inexpensive and measurably less harmful for home use.Earth Institute Fellows Program; Millennium Villages URBANIZATION CHALLENGE By 2030, more than 65 percent of the world’s population will live in urban areas, increasing the stress on communities with little resources to cope with such impacts as climate change.

Water Energy Urbanization Hazards Health Poverty Food, Ecology Ecosystems Climate & SOLUTIONS Propose& Nutrition and planSociety practical solutions for quality-of-life problems and provide experts who can address questions related to environmental degradation, climate change and historical preservation.

CHALLENGE Rapid urbanization in Nairobi, where nearly 50 percent of the population lives in poverty, is pushing people beyond the city’s capacity in terms of space, infrastructure and employment. SOLUTIONS Work with universities, community-based groups and government at various levels to help facilitate a sustainable urban planning process, promoting the importance of planning better transportation alternatives and air pollution. Center for Sustainable and Urban Development

HAZARDS CHALLENGE $225 billion in financial losses resulted from natural and human-made disasters in 2005. SOLUTIONS Work with multilateral organizations, corporations and research institutes to create policies that effectively Water Energy Urbanization Hazards Health Poverty Food, Ecology Ecosystems Climate & & Nutritionprepare—rather Society than respond—to natural and human-made hazards. Center for Hazards and Risk Research

CHALLENGE More than 6,600 deaths were attributable to in 2006. Hundreds of thousands more were injured and suffered great economic losses. SOLUTIONS Expand the world’s knowledge of earthquakes through new geological and tectonic research. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

FOOD & CHALLENGE 126 million children are underweight because of chronic hunger and disease. NUTRITION SOLUTIONS Teach improved farming methods to bolster crop production and introduce feeding programs in schools.

Water Energy Urbanization Hazards Health Poverty Food, Ecology Ecosystems Climate & & Nutrition Society Millennium Villages

CHALLENGE About 180 million Africans do not have access to sufficient food; 70 percent of all Africans are dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. SOLUTIONS Map the distribution of Earth’s soil condition modifiers and soil types to help soil resource managers, soil scientists and policy-makers better understand and manage soil resources. Tropical Agriculture Program

ECOSYSTEMS CHALLENGE Global warming is leading to Caribbean storms of greater strength that threaten the lives and liveli- hoods of the people who live there.

Water Energy Urbanization Hazards Health Poverty Food, Ecology Ecosystems Climate & & Nutrition SocietySOLUTIONS Using Puerto Rican rainforests as a study system, highlight and promote forest management practices that provide greater resistance and resilience to storm damage. Center for Environmental Research and Conservation

CHALLENGE Economic growth in China is leading to increasing numbers of sheep, cattle and goats in Inner Mongolia grasslands, where intense grazing pressure is leading to widespread degradation of this vast . SOLUTIONS Work with scientists in China to develop grassland vegetation that can tolerate increased grazing and prevent ecosystem degradation. Center for Environmental Research and Conservation

CLIMATE & CHALLENGE By 2050, 25 percent of crop yields may be lost due to changing rainfall patterns and declining water SOCIETY availability in some vulnerable regions.

Water Energy Urbanization Hazards Health Poverty Food, Ecology Ecosystems Climate & & Nutrition Society SOLUTIONS Work closely with farmers, water managers and other key stakeholders to anticipate and better adapt to climate variability in parts of South Asia, Latin America and Africa. International Research Institute for Climate and Society

CHALLENGE If there is no significant reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions, current climate models predict an increase of 1.4–5.8°C between 1990 and 2100. SOLUTIONS Mobilize leaders in the public and private sectors to pave a way forward for tackling climate change and find viable, innovative solutions to the global energy and greenhouse gas challenge. Global Roundtable on Climate Change

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. 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. FAQs The Earth Institute at Columbia University Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Earth Institute’s mission? What is The Earth Institute’s main goal, and how The Earth Institute at Columbia University confronts is it accomplished? the practical challenges of sustainable development The Earth Institute’s overarching goal is to advance through interdisciplinary research, practice and edu- the understanding of Earth as one integrated system cation. The Earth Institute is dedicated to finding in order to achieve sustainable development. The effective solutions for humanity’s most urgent problems, Earth Institute was founded in the recognition that including climate change, the energy crisis, extreme sustainable solutions require an interdisciplinary poverty and disasters, ecosystem conservation, approach—one that prioritizes cutting-edge among others. Our core activities include advancing research, the training of future leaders and active scientific research, educating and training the next problem solving for real-world issues. generation of scientists and policy-makers and implementing practical solutions for a more sus- Research tainable world. Innovative scientific research anchors all initiatives at The Earth Institute and creates the knowledge base While Earth is indeed at a critical crossroads, a fun- needed to address the challenges of sustainable damental belief underpins all of our efforts: that the development. More than 700 scientists, scholars, world has within reach the know-how and resources students, postdoctoral fellows and staff across more needed to achieve sustainable development. than 20 Columbia-based research centers are working to advance the fields of , biology, earth science, health and social sciences. From What is sustainable development? understanding the dynamics of the Earth’s crust to The critical challenges facing the planet—including analyzing the economic and social impacts of natural human-induced climate change, water-related and human-made hazards, research at The Earth problems, and the degradation of the world’s diverse Institute enables the creation of solutions that can ecosystems—are deeply interconnected. Finding help achieve sustainability. solutions to one problem should—and must—involve finding solutions to others. The interconnectedness of Education these challenges is captured in The Earth Institute’s The Earth Institute works with schools and programs efforts to achieve “sustainable development.” across Columbia University to develop rigorous and innovative curricula across multiple disciplines. “Development” is defined as spreading social, political Designed to educate individuals planning to work in and economic well-being to the entire global community, the social and natural science disciplines that underpin especially the poorest of the poor. “Sustainable” is sustainable development, The Earth Institute’s defined as managing the world’s economy in a manner academic programs are charting new and bold models consistent with the continued healthy functioning of for education. From undergraduate to postdoctoral Earth’s ecosystems, oceans, atmosphere and climate. education, there are more than 25 academic programs Sustainable development is not simply about currently affiliated with The Earth Institute, including preserving the environment; it is about effectively the undergraduate special concentration in sustain- tackling interconnected challenges related to both able development, the Ph.D. program in sustainable human and environmental survival. It is this concept development, and the master’s degree program in that forms the foundation of The Earth Institute’s work. climate and society, among others.

Continued on back FAQs The Earth Institute at Columbia University Frequently Asked Questions

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Implementation and Practice How is The Earth Institute different from Applying research knowledge to help communities other organizations? achieve sustainable development is a significant part While there are many organizations working to find of The Earth Institute’s work. Through the Earth Clinic and/or apply solutions to the world’s problems, The and specific implementation projects, The Earth Earth Institute stands out for its holistic and interdisci- Institute is: helping people in Bangladesh find alterna- plinary approach grounded in scientific rigor, academic tives to arsenic-contaminated groundwater, working leadership and technological innovation. closely with corporations to find innovative ways to tackle climate change, assisting ’s government The hallmark of The Earth Institute is the integration on health and education policies, and working in of scientific research with public policy to achieve Africa to tackle myriad dimensions of extreme poverty. sustainable development. With its unique position in the University and in society, The Earth Institute Why was The Earth Institute established? mobilizes world-class scientific expertise and fosters In 1992, leaders at Columbia University gathered a interdisciplinary problem solving across nine cross- core group of faculty to discuss the idea of a center cutting themes: dedicated to the study of the planet’s natural systems and how these systems enable—and at the same time • Climate and Society are impacted by—human activity. In 1996, they • Water opened a bold new chapter in the University’s history • Energy of excellence in scientific research with the founding of • Poverty the Columbia Earth Institute, dedicated to tackling • Ecosystems some of the world’s most urgent challenges. • Public Health • Food and Nutrition To achieve its mission, The Earth Institute mobilized • Hazards multiple academic departments and Columbia-based • Urbanization research centers, including the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, which has made singular contributions to Drawing upon the wealth of expertise and resources the world’s understanding of Earth and its systems. available at Columbia University, The Earth Institute’s With its foundation firmly rooted in the University, The interdisciplinary approach creates a collaborative spirit Earth Institute would not only push the boundaries of that allows scientists to investigate questions that fall interdisciplinary scientific research, but also provide beyond traditional academic disciplines and to engage innovations in how real-world solutions grounded in practically with both society and the physical world. science can solve some of the world’s toughest problems. It is this unique combination of interdisciplinary scientific rigor, dedication to academic and profes- In 2002, the renamed Earth Institute at Columbia sional training, and real-world application of projects University began a new phase in its development that sets The Earth Institute apart from others. when Columbia President Lee C. Bollinger called for Columbia to become a truly global university. Under How does The Earth Institute apply its research? the directorship of international economist Jeffrey D. The ultimate mission of The Earth Institute is to positively Sachs, The Earth Institute’s activities were aligned affect the lives of people, with an emphasis on the along five core disciplines (engineering sciences, bio- world’s poor, and to build a path toward a sustainable logical sciences, earth sciences, health sciences and future. The Earth Institute accomplishes these goals in social sciences) and nine cross-cutting issues that a range of ways, particularly through its signature underlie its efforts today. practice unit, the Earth Clinic, which allows scientific research born at The Earth Institute to have meaningful, Attend real-world applications in the field. The Earth Institute hosts dozens of events every year—including the Global Roundtable on Climate Through such endeavors as the Earth Clinic, teams of Change and the State of the Planet Conference— experts are collaborating with local, national and inter- many of which are open to students and the public. national partners to help end poverty through science- Visit our Web site and click on “Events” to see what’s based interventions in some of the poorest areas of coming up. There you may also sign up to receive The Africa. In India, The Earth Institute is working to scale Earth Institute event listings. up public services in rural areas through partnerships with political and civil society leaders. And in North Enroll America, Earth Institute scientists are tackling a diverse The Earth Institute is developing innovative educational range of problems by forecasting drought and predicting opportunities that engage students at all levels of earthquakes. Across the continents and across the study. From undergraduate to postdoctoral, there are oceans, The Earth Institute is striving to make a mea- over 25 academic programs currently affiliated with surable difference in people’s lives. The Earth Institute, representing one of the largest collections of environmental education programs in Who are The Earth Institute’s partners? the world. These include: the undergraduate special The scope and scale of The Earth Institute’s mission concentration in sustainable development; the Ph.D. require that it develop strategic partnerships across program in sustainable development; the master’s sectors and gain support from all levels of society. program in climate and society; the master’s program The Earth Institute works within the University com- in environmental science and policy; and programs in munity as well as beyond Columbia with a number of the departments of ecology, evolution and environ- academic centers, governments, corporations, non- mental biology, earth and environmental sciences, and governmental and international organizations and environmental engineering. To learn more, visit www. others to achieve sustainable development. earthinstitute.columbia.edu and click on “Education.” If you need additional information, please By forging close ties with stakeholders in all aspects e-mail [email protected]. of its work, The Earth Institute is able to expand its reach and more effectively help the world achieve Donate sustainability. Gifts and grants from individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations support The Earth Institute in its global effort to build a sustainable future. I care about the issues–how can I get involved?

Learn more Funding questions and contributions may be directed Learning and shoring up the facts is the first and most to Terry Karamanos, director for funding initiatives, important step in achieving any goal. If there are by e-mail at [email protected] or by mail: particular issues that resonate with you, there may be more specific ways in which you can get involved. The Earth Institute at Columbia University To learn more, please visit our Web site at: 475 Riverside Drive, Mail Code 7720 www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu. New York, NY 10115