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.


‘Borehole of opportunity’ attracts international scientists

An international collective of scientists gathered at Cornell to discuss collecting research data from the proposed Earth Source Heat test well in Snee Hall, Jan. 8-10.

Cornell co-leads effort to use big data to combat catastrophes

An NSF-funded initiative, co-led by professor David S. Matteson, aims to harness data across disciplines in order to identify risk factors for catastrophic events.

Genetics, not field conditions, makes hemp ‘go hot’

Cornell researchers have determined that a hemp plant’s propensity to “go hot” – become too high in THC – is determined by genetics, not as a stress response to growing conditions.

Energy-saving particle accelerator achieves breakthrough

A new breed of accelerator, developed at Cornell’s Wilson Synchrotron Lab, provides particle beams with unprecedented properties and power.

Cornell, Nature Conservancy to study key climate projects

A new collaboration between the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and The Nature Conservancy this year will fund three studies that could be significant in the face of climate change.

Zoo U: Conservation, education drive Cornell-zoo partnership

A 23-year partnership between the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, and the College of Veterinary Medicine provides care for endangered species while giving veterinarians and students specialized training.

Howarth appointed to New York’s new Climate Action Council

Robert Howarth has been appointed to the new Climate Action Council, created to bring about New York’s path to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions and support green energy.

Cornell joins consortium to ‘green’ business supply chains

Cornell faculty and students can now champion greener consumer products, supply chains and commercial trade, as the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability began a partnership with The Sustainability Consortium on Jan. 13.

Vice provost illuminates Cornell’s global role and impact

Wendy Wolford, Cornell’s vice provost for international affairs and the Robert A. and Ruth E. Polson Professor of Global Development, discusses her background, interdisciplinary approach, the university’s support for students and faculty in international work, the Global Grand Challenge, the new Cornell China Center and more.

Ezra