Organization: Earth Institute at Columbia University

All Photos The Earth Institute at Columbia University is motivated by the belief that science and technological tools already exist, and could be expanded, to greatly improve conditions for the world's poor while preserving the natural systems that support life on Earth. The Earth Institute brings together talent from the University to address complex issues facing the planet and its inhabitants, with particular focus on sustainable development and the needs of the world's poor.

Focus Areas:

Children, Technology, Disaster Relief, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Human Rights, Poverty, Gender & Equality, Microfinance

Countries Served:

All 84 countries: Afghanistan Argentina Austria Australia Bangladesh Burundi Bolivia Brazil Bahamas Bhutan Botswana Belize Canada Congo, The Democratic Republic of The Congo Cote D'Ivoire Chile China Costa Rica Cuba Djibouti Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon United Kingdom French Guiana Ghana Guatemala Haiti Indonesia India Iran, Islamic Republic of Italy Japan Kenya Cambodia Lebanon Sri Lanka Lesotho Morocco Madagascar Mali Myanmar Mongolia Mauritius Malawi Mexico Malaysia Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Nicaragua Netherlands Norway Nepal New Zealand Panama Peru Papua New Guinea Philippines Pakistan Paraguay Russian Federation Rwanda Sudan Senegal Sao Tome and Principe Swaziland Thailand Tajikistan Tunisia Turkey Tanzania, United Republic of Uganda United States Uruguay Venezuela Viet Nam Zambia Zimbabwe   Summary by region: Asia Latin America & Caribbean Europe Australia & Oceania Africa Northern America

Description of Services:
Under the direction of international economist Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, the Earth Institute supports pioneering projects in the earth, biological, engineering, social and health sciences, while actively encouraging interdisciplinary projects?often combining natural and social sciences?in pursuit of solutions to real world problems. Responding to the particular challenges of sustainable development, the faculty focus on: poverty reduction and economic development; global health, agriculture, ecology and nutrition; ecosystems; water access and safety; hazards mitigation; climate change and climate/society interactions; carbon cycle and energy and urbanization.
History:
The Earth Institute was established in 1996.
Accomplishments & Progress:
The Earth Institute?s educational activities support and enhance the undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. programs of affiliated academic departments. In any given year, approximately 600 students are enrolled in one of the Earth Institute's educational programs.