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.


CU GEM improves eco-friendly Styrofoam substitute

Undergraduates on the Cornell University Genetically Engineered Machines (CU GEM) team won awards for designing a safe alternative to Styrofoam.

Wood chips could help cleanse farm field run-off

Large square trenches filled with wood chips and buried in farm fields have been found to act as a natural filtration system, researchers have found.

$12M gift bolsters Atkinson Center leadership

Advancing their support of cutting-edge sustainability research, David ’60 and Patricia Atkinson have given $12 million to enhance the leadership of the David R. Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, the university announced Oct. 22.

Surprises discovered in decoded kiwifruit genome

The recent decoding of the kiwifruit genome has discovered that the fruit has many genetic similarities to other plant species, including potatoes and tomatoes, among other surprises.

Kerslick named Atkinson Center's executive director

Graham Kerslick will join the David R. Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future Oct. 21 as its new executive director, where he will oversee research funding programs, internal administration and fiscal management.

‘Stick artist’ Dougherty gives Messenger lecture Oct. 23

"Stickwork artist" Patrick Dougherty will deliver a Messenger lecture and other talks during the week of Oct. 21.

Economists explore 'loca-pouring' of wines

The décor and menu are the most useful predictors of whether restaurants across the state will offer New York wines, according to new Dyson School research.

Researchers survey how green grows your switchgrass

As biofuels become an increasingly viable alternative, Cornell researchers are making sure that growing grasses for biofuel won't face inadvertent snares.

New micro water sensor can aid growers

Grape growers and food processors benefit from water sensors for accurate moisture readings. Cornell researchers have developed a fingertip-sized sensor that is a hundred times more sensitive than current devices, and they hope to produce it for as little as $5 each.