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.


State of the Birds report shows success and need for conservation

The 2014 State of the Birds Report – an assessment of the health of the nation’s birds by some of the country’s leading experts – was released Sept. 9.

Experiment makes energy savings a game

An experiment in partnership with Con Edison this summer has shown that consumers might be willing to back off on their demand for electricity if there’s a game of chance involved.

Book uncovers challenges for Indonesian mine

The new book by anthropologist Marina Welker is an ethnographic study of the Denver-based Newmont Mining Corp. and its Batu Hijau Copper and Gold Mine in Sumbawa, Indonesia.

Soil health workshop teaches from the ground up

A campus workshop (dates) attracted domestic and international participants who learned about health concepts and management strategies.

How to pay the real costs of energy use

A new book co-authored by Shanjun Li is a practical guide for policymakers to set energy taxes that reflect the real costs of energy use.

Symposium sows seeds of sustainable communities

The third annual Student Organic Seed Symposium, held at Cornell Aug. 17-21, drew several dozen students and professors, nonprofit representatives and seed company officials to the Finger Lakes region for a week of tours, lectures and networking.

100 years later: Passenger pigeon loss is red flag

Martha, the very last passenger pigeon in the world, died in her cage at the Cincinnati Zoo 100 years ago on Sept. 1, 1914.

Cornell continues to make its mark at state fair

From judging milkshake contests to tending goats; from nurturing animal births to assembling yogurt parfaits, Cornell makes a Big Red imprint on the Great New York State Fair.

Study: Southwest may face 'megadrought' within century

Due to global warming, the chances the Southwest suffers a decadelong drought is at least 50 percent, and the chances of a “megadrought” – one that lasts up to 35 years – ranges from 20 to 50 percent over the next century.