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.


Rattlesnakes sound warning on biodiversity

Even small, low-traffic roads can fragment wildlife populations genetically, reports a new Cornell study on timber rattlesnakes. That can make populations more vulnerable, say the researchers. (April 21, 2010)

Iconic Cornell trees preserved as benches on National Mall

Two sugar maples from campus that were uprooted for construction have been fashioned into benches and are in a new garden on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (April 21, 2010)

Butcher, Kress-Gazit, Pritchard receive NSF Career Awards

Jonathan Butcher, Hadas Kress-Gazit and Matthew Pritchard were awarded research and outreach funding for five years. (April 21, 2010)

Cornell reorganizes campus sustainability initiatives

The university has created two new organizations to coordinate sustainable campus efforts and boost community involvement. (April 20, 2010)

Climate pioneer James Hansen warns of climate 'tipping point,' calls for carbon tax

To prevent runaway climate changes, governments must change fossil fuel policies, said world-renowned climatologist James Hansen to a packed house at Cornell April 19. (April 20, 2010)

Undersecretary of energy for science: Key to sustainability is an issue of imbalance

In a campus seminar April 15, Steven E. Koonin, undersecretary of energy for science in the U.S. Department of Energy, said that sustainability is mostly about managing resource imbalances. (April 20, 2010)

CU to present first sustainability award April 21

President David Skorton will present the 'Partners in Sustainability Award' to NYSERDA, a state agency with a long record of support for energy innovation and conservation, in a ceremony April 21. (April 16, 2010)

Study: Environmental volunteering linked to improved mental and physical health in retirees

Retirees volunteering on environmental projects could not only prompt you to get more exercise but also improve mental and physical health through old age, according to a new Cornell study. (April 15, 2010)

Cornell replaces incinerator with fully tested digester for disposal of animal remains

The incinerator at Cornell's Vet School was officially shut down on April 7 and replaced with a new digester for disposing of animal remains. (April 15, 2010)