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.


New imaging method views soil carbon at near-atomic scales

A new study describes a breakthrough method for imaging the physical and chemical interactions that sequester carbon in soil at near atomic scales, which may have implications for mitigating climate change.

NYS can achieve 2050 carbon goals with Earth’s help

By delving into scientific and economic data, Cornell engineers have examined whether New York could achieve a statewide carbon-neutral economy by 2050. Their finding: Yes – and with five years to spare.

Engineers go microbial to store energy, sequester CO2

Cornell bioengineers have found a way to efficiently absorb and store large-scale, renewable energy from the sun, while sequestering carbon dioxide to use as a biofuel: Let microbes do the work.

Biologist helps place starfish on critically endangered list

With a recent 90% decline in population, sunflower sea stars – once ubiquitous all along the Pacific Coast, from Mexico to Alaska – may be on the brink of extinction. 

Cornell-led panel releases report on agri-food innovation

To deflect future world food crises created by climate change, a Cornell-led international group has created a road map for global agricultural and food systems innovation.

NYPA to get climate change science lessons from Cornell

The New York Power Authority is partnering with the Cornell Climate Smart Solutions Program to deliver a comprehensive training program to its nearly 2,400 employees in New York.

Cornell Atkinson seeks nominations for Earthshot Prize

Cornell Atkinson is soliciting nominations for The Earthshot Prize, a new global award supported by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to tackle the world’s biggest environmental challenges.

Sustainability meeting focuses on social justice, environment

The 2020 State of New York Sustainability Conference – held online Dec. 2-4 – focused on connecting human health, social justice, feeding the world and protection of the environment.

Study of fungi may improve baby food, agriculture, food safety

A new grant will investigate how bacteria that live inside the cells of fungi may shape the biology, evolution, biodiversity and function of these fungi – research with important practical applications for industry, sustainable agriculture and preventing food spoilage.