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.


Cornell-led report on electric grid helps spark NSF program

A report on the future of the electric grid, co-authored by mathematics professor John Guckenheimer, has helped spawn a joint program of the National Science Foundation and the energy department.

Natural nomads, leatherback turtles opt to stay in place

Endangered leatherback sea turtles are known for their open-ocean migratory nature and nomadic foraging habits – traveling thousands of miles. But along the Mozambique coast, sometimes they stay in place.

Loucks honored with award for water systems study

Professor emeritus of civil and environmental engineering Daniel P. Loucks has been awarded the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Interntional Prize for Water, for his study of water resource management.

Microalgae create green fuel, reduce food insecurity

Taken from the bottom of the marine food chain, microalgae may soon become a top-tier contender to combat global warming, climate change and food insecurity, according to Cornell researchers in Oceanography.

Bacterial mechanism converts nitrogen to greenhouse gas

Cornell researchers have discovered a biological mechanism that helps convert nitrogen-based fertilizer into nitrous oxide, an ozone-depleting greenhouse gas.

Digital agriculture report looks to data-driven future

Cornell experts issued a report this week outlining the opportunities and challenges facing the state's farmers and food producers as emerging digital technologies shape the agricultural industry.

Moral values influence action on climate change

The willingness to make lifestyle changes to avert climate change may depend on the moral values closely aligned with liberal political leanings, according to Cornell research.

Layered paint and propaganda: Mellon seminar visits Cuba

Students in a Mellon collaborative studies seminar in architecture, urbanism and the humanities spent eight days in Cuba this semester to study the island's changing politics and environment.

Pest control: Wicked weeds may be agricultural angels

Farmers looking to reduce reliance on pesticides, herbicides and other pest management tools may want to heed the advice of Cornell agricultural scientists: Let nature be nature – to a degree.