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.


Permaculture garden grows food for Trillium

A new student garden outside Kennedy Hall will grow food for Trillium and feature permaculture – a self-sustaining agriculture system in which crops are planted so they work together in mutual benefit.

Teachers delve into global water and culture issues

More than 50 middle and high school teachers were on campus June 24-26 for an International Studies Summer Institute at Cornell called The Cultural Geography of Water.

Faculty brief Congress, alumni on chemical risks

Three faculty members from the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future briefed Congress and alumni in Washington, D.C., on chemical risks June 18.

Tour allure: Enjoy Cornell's 'garden of weedin''

The Cornell Weed Garden is a scientific utopia that features 85 tenacious, loathsome and sometimes tasty plants.

Researcher to study, develop public ‘healing spaces’

A Cornell researcher leads a team that recently won a $585,000 national award to design, build and research public spaces for healing in the wake of disaster.

Recycling farm plastics gains momentum

For agricultural plastic recycling, Cornell's RAPP helps farmers find markets for their plastic waste.

Genome offers clues to amphibian-killing fungus

A fungus that has decimated amphibians globally is much older than previously thought, but may have recently spread through the global wildlife trade to new locations where amphibians have no immunity, reports a new study.

After 25 years, 'Story of Stuff' creator finishes her degree

Annie Leonard, environmental activist and creator of the 2007 viral hit video 'The Story of Stuff,' has completed her Cornell master’s degree following a 25-year hiatus.

Students present vision for a revamped Ithaca waterfront

Students in a landscape architecture class submitted an unusual plan for the Ithaca Inlet that has inspired the director of planning and economic development for the city of Ithaca.