2025 was another historic year-making headlines for disastrous wildfires in Los Angeles, catastrophic floods in Texas, and deadly heatwaves in Europe and Asia. But it was also a year of collaboration-with researchers, scientists, policymakers, students and others coming together to share ideas and plans to address the effects of climate change, during Climate Week NYC and COP30, among other initiatives.
The event brought together 36 professionals and over 100 Columbia students to explore the skills, roles and projects driving sustainability today. In recent years, sustainability has become embedded in nearly every field; cities have become major climate employers and investors look for green portfolios. Across sectors, collaboration is essential and requires people who can translate between engineering and policy, finance and community needs. Events like the Sustainability Careers Reception create those connections in real time.
Heartwood Preserve doesn't look like typical stormwater infrastructure. Instead of a primarily utilitarian design, this project in Omaha doubles as public art. Meyer Studio Land Architects created a series of 14 sculptural water retention basins across 500 acres of land that sit in a watershed at risk of flooding. The project is meant to be enjoyed by the public and even has features that educate about climate change.