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.


Inaugural Frontiers of AI Summit focuses on the foundational research behind AI’s rapid progress

On May 27, nearly 300 researchers, industry leaders, and nonprofit innovators gathered at Cornell Tech for the inaugural Frontiers of AI Summit.

Around Cornell

Carbon dioxide and water played key role in historic Mount Etna eruption

Researchers identified very different mechanisms behind two historic eruptions of Mount Etna in Italy – a finding that can help geologists assess the risk of future eruptions.

Cornell engineers use tiny vibrating beams to rethink AI hardware

Cornell researchers have developed a computing device that stores information electrically but reads it through tiny mechanical motion, an approach that could open a path toward more energy-efficient hardware for AI and scientific computing.

A&S seniors celebrate their extraordinary journeys

As the class of 2026 graduates in Arts & Sciences, we celebrate their extraordinary journeys. 

Around Cornell

Recycling excreta as fertilizer in Kenya transforms ‘disgusting’ to ‘beautiful’

Cornell researchers and Kenyan partners have developed a fertilizer made from human excreta. The product improves soil health and food production, while preventing pollution in informal settlements and the aquatic environment.

New low-THC hemp fiber cultivar flourishes in NYS climate

Ursa Alta will supply material for multiple product streams, including textiles such as denim, animal bedding and wall insulation. 

Immersive training to help prepare NYS for natural disaster

A three-day simulation on campus will put students and community members in the role of emergency responders during a humanitarian crisis.

Thoughtful solar siting can protect ag, biodiversity

Researchers have developed a model that identifies prime farmland, habitats critical for biodiversity and areas suitable for solar development in New York, to help communities minimize land-use conflicts when making solar siting decisions.

Around Cornell

From the Living Lab: Students tackle campus trash and food waste

From donating excess dining hall food to surveying their peers' leftovers, students reduce waste and make campus more sustainable.