Energy, Environment & Sustainability

Cornell is a global leader in sustainability and climate change research, teaching and engagement. Our campuses are living laboratories for developing, testing and implementing solutions that address these most challenging issues.


Dyed wool a sustainable water purification alternative

A research team has proven the feasibility of using polydopamine-dyed and ultrablack wool as a low-cost, renewable water-purification method.

Cornell Unplugged encourages mindful tech use, social connection

New event asks the community to decrease technology use, increase face-to-face interaction and consider that every AI chat, doomscroll and text message has a water, energy and carbon footprint. 

Cornellians to address AI, NY energy future at Climate Week NYC

Cornell and global leaders will come together at Climate Week NYC Sept. 20-27 to discuss some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, including harnessing AI’s power while mitigating its negative impacts.

Environmentalist photographer kicks off A.D. White Professors-at-Large series

James Balog will discuss his work documenting the worldwide rapid retreat of glaciers on Sept. 17 as part of the visiting professors program.

The secret lives of city insects: bringing urban ecology to the community

Doctoral student Sylvana Ross and a team of Cincinnati youths spent their summer studying city-dwelling insects, amassing data that can inform decisions that support healthy green spaces. 

‘Rivers of Ice’ exhibit offers lens on glaciers’ retreat

The exhibition featuring books, maps and other visual materials related to the study of glaciers and the Earth’s shifting climate opens Sept. 17 at the Hirshland Exhibition Gallery of Carl A. Kroch Library.

Lab of Ornithology to host annual Migration Celebration

Celebrate birds with a fun-filled day of free workshops, presentations, bird walks, and more at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology on Sept. 12 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m.

Bipartisan fisheries management law would expand eDNA use

Bipartisan legislation introduced this month by the co-chairs of the U.S. Senate Oceans Caucus relies on environmental DNA techniques pioneered by retired Cornell Atkinson director David Lodge.

Conference to reimagine ocean futures to be held Sept. 10–12

From Sept. 10–12, future-oriented scholars from around the United States will convene at the Just Ocean and Coastal Futures Conference at Cornell University to imagine, design, and support reparative frameworks in ocean and coastal studies.

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