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 to buy all of proposed Black Oak Wind Farm's energy

Making a stride toward reducing carbon emission, Cornell has agreed to purchase all electricity generated by the proposed Black Oak Wind Farm in Enfield, New York, a project which is pending municipal approvals.

Some plants evolve tolerance to deer

New evidence suggests some plants are evolving tolerance to being eaten by deer.

Land use looms as large factor in global warming

For the world’s deteriorating environment, don’t blame burning fossil fuels exclusively. Land use and land cover changes contribute about 40 percent to “radiative forcing,” a key factor in global warming, according to a new study by Cornell scientists.

'Spolia' event examines history, future of reuse

A recent symposium and exhibition explored the ancient practice of spolia – using scavenged materials in new construction – and its relevance to efforts in sustainable and resilient human habitation.

Iceland president: Green energy forges good business

Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, the president of Iceland, told a Cornell audience how his country remade itself from one of Europe’s poorest into one now financially and environmentally secure.

Expert offers feasible, statewide green energy plan

Professor Emeritus Tony Ingraffea explained a statewide green energy plan in his keynote address at the President’s Sustainable Campus Committee annual summit Nov. 18, and winners of the Cornell University Partners in Sustainability Award were announced.

Cornell's economic outlook conference will be Dec. 9

Registration is open for Cornell’s 2015 Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference on Dec. 9, featuring the national outlook by economist Steve Kyle and a session about labor challenges in the apple industry.

White Thanksgiving dreams die with warming reality

If you’re dreaming of a white Thanksgiving, dream on. For winter-hardened places like Chicago, Indianapolis and Detroit, the chance of measurable snow on the ground for Thanksgiving is practically nil.

Iceland President Ólafur Grímsson to visit Nov. 20-22

The president of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, visits campus Nov. 20-22. He will deliver a public lecture, “Iceland’s Clean Energy Economy – A Roadmap to Sustainability and Good Business,” Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. in Schwartz Auditorium.