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.


Global warming culprit-nations likely to change by 2030

While developed countries have long been blamed for Earth’s rising greenhouse gas emissions, Cornell researchers now predict when developing countries will contribute more to climate change than advanced societies: 2030.

Twilight tour highlights heritage grain research

Farmers learned Cornell’s value-added grain trials at the Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm in Freeville July 1.

Wastewater injection induces Oklahoma earthquakes

The dramatic increase in earthquakes in central Oklahoma since 2009 is likely attributable to subsurface wastewater injection at a handful of wastewater disposal wells, finds a study published in the journal Science July 3.

Four of 10 wells forecast to fail in northeastern Pa.

About 40 percent of the oil and gas wells in parts of the Marcellus shale region will likely leak methane, says a Cornell-led research team that examined well records in Pennsylvania.

Fracking flowback could indirectly pollute groundwater

The wastewater generated by “hydrofracking” could cause the release of tiny particles in soils that often strongly bind heavy metals and pollutants, exacerbating the environmental risks during accidental spills, research shows.

BEST program gives Ph.D.s insights into nonacademic jobs

The Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (BEST) program, which offers career resources about non-academic jobs, is now available to all Cornell Ph.D. students and postdocs.

Pest attacks can lead to bigger crop yields

Researchers are studying how to harness potato plants’ natural response to environmental stress to develop a sustainable pest control strategy that increases crop yields and reduces insect damage.

Kill flies by alternating pesticides, monitoring need

A Cornell entomologist studies housefly resistance to pesticides in dairy farms and offers strategies for more effective control.

Reunion forum explores genetically engineered crops

A panel of experts discussed genetically engineered crops and the future of food during Reunion 2014 for alumni.