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.


$5M grant will fund study of how solar panels can boost crops

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has awarded the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences $5 million to build solar arrays at university farms in Ithaca and the Hudson Valley.

‘Roadmap’ shows the environmental impact of AI data center boom

Researchers used advanced data analytics to create a state-by-state look at that environmental impact of the AI boom and how to make the computing infrastructure that supports it more sustainable. 

NY Sea Grant helps village bring dune back down to size

When a dune in Sodus Point, New York - built in 2021 to prevent flooding - grew so high some residents lost their view of the water, NY Sea Grant stepped in to ease tensions and facilitate a new maintenance plan.     

Food Hackathon students turn their ideas into delicious reality

Entrepreneurial Cornell students compete in the annual food hackathon, but then what? Their prototypes gain new ways to become reality.

Cornellians lead Lancet special issue on improving planetary diets

Cornell’s Food Systems and Global Change group coordinated a special issue of The Lancet Planetary Health, which advocates for transforming food systems to ensure sustainability and healthy diets for everyone. 

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How biodiversity startups raise capital

Biodiversity startups raise less capital than other startups but attract a broader coalition of investors, according to a new analysis that used machine learning to sift through venture capital databases.

Grow-NY finalists estimate upstate impact ahead of summit

Twenty startup finalists will pitch their food and agriculture businesses – and their potential to impact upstate New York – for up to $1 million at the Grow-NY Summit, Nov. 12-13 at the Hotel Canandaigua.

Faculty win Bezos grants to use AI for environmental challenges

Cornell has won three of 15 major grants from the Bezos Earth Fund, awarded to leverage artificial intelligence in the fight against climate change and environmental challenges.

Cornell Atkinson postdoctoral fellows aim to improve food security, climate, clean water

Cornell Atkinson has announced its 2025 Postdoctoral Fellows, who work jointly with a Cornell advisor and an external advisor from a partner organization to advance sustainability research. 

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