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.


Kaplan Fellowship recognizes Ahmann’s community-engaged work for environmental justice

Chloe Ahmann, assistant professor of anthropology in the College of Arts and Sciences, is helping local organizers in their quest for environmental justice — and bringing her students along. For this work, Ahmann was named recipient of this year’s Kaplan Family Distinguished Faculty Fellowship.

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Electrons travel one of two routes in nano-biohybrid systems

Researchers have identified exactly what happens when a microbe receives an electron from a quantum dot: The charge can either follow a direct pathway or be transferred indirectly via the microbe’s shuttle molecules.

First Level 3 EV fast-charging station opens on campus

With a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff on March 11 officially launched the Abruña Energy Initiative Level 3 EV fast-charging station, named in honor of initiative founder Héctor D. Abruña, professor of chemistry.

Changes in bats’ diets increase spread of viruses, spillover risk

When bats lose access to their habitat and natural food sources, they seek food on agricultural lands - new research explains why, when their diets change, they shed more virus and infect more hosts, increasing the risk of outbreaks and pandemics.

Large-scale investment in research needed to maintain U.S. agriculture

In the face of climate change, researchers estimate the U.S. investment in agricultural research needed to maintain productivity - finding it comparable to the investment made following the two world wars.

Emily Pape ’26 rallies the Big Red team for the greater good

Emily Pape ’26 leads on and off the court, rallying Big Red for a greener future.

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Join the climate action conversation: Center for Cities' spring symposium in New York City

On April 24, the Cornell Mui Ho Center for Cities will convene experts to share solutions and identify areas for future action that address the multiple and cascading climate change hazards facing New York City.

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Cornell faculty honored for community-engaged innovation

Thirteen faculty members from across Cornell are being honored by the Einhorn Center for Community Engagement with this year’s Community-Engaged Practice and Innovation Awards. 

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Solar solutions: Workers face challenges in renewable energy sector

The solar boom in New York state is not only powering homes, businesses and infrastructure; it is also generating jobs. Researchers at the ILR School’s Climate Jobs Institute are helping to ensure the solar workforce is treated fairly and equitably.