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.


Demographics data helps predict NY flood insurance claims

In flood-prone areas of the Hudson River valley in New York state, census areas with more white and affluent home owners tend to file a higher percentage of flood insurance claims than lower-income, minority residents, according to a new study. 

Molecular study could improve climate change modeling

A team of chemists, including Cornell’s Paul Houston, has unveiled the mechanics involved in the interplay between sunlight and molecules known as “roaming reactions,” which could improve climate change modeling.

$7.2M grant funds exploratory research into Earth Source Heat

Cornell has secured a U.S. Department of Energy grant, expected to total about $7.2 million, which will fund exploratory research to help verify the feasibility of using a novel geothermal energy system to heat its campus buildings.

Baltimore, Bullock’s orioles will retain separate identities

The debate is over: According to scientists from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Bullock’s and Baltimore orioles will remain separate species, despite hybridization where their ranges meet in the Great Plains.

Report fosters ag industry climate-change tracking

Cornell’s Art DeGaetano is one of nine scientists to co-author a USDA report to help the nation’s farmers and commercial agricultural managers reduce risk in the face of climate change.

Benjamin Houlton named dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Benjamin Houlton, director of the John Muir Institute of the Environment and professor of global environmental studies at the University of California, Davis, has been named the Ronald P. Lynch Dean, effective Oct. 1.

Perovskite mineral supports solar-energy sustainability

When it comes to the future of solar energy cells, say farewell to silicon, and hello to calcium titanium oxide – the compound mineral better known as perovskite.

(Virtual) Things to Do, July 31-Aug. 21, 2020

Virtual events at Cornell include a lecture on challenges endangering freshwater fish, an conference on worker and community concerns in safely returning to work in New York City, an international linguistics meeting and an introduction to religious and spiritual life on campus.

Harry Greene and the rewilding of Rancho Cascabel

Herpetologist Harry Greene and evolutionary biologist Kelly Zamudio have an unexpected opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic to “rewild” their newly purchased land in Texas, restoring its diverse, biological richness.