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.


Startup aiming to reduce plastic reliance joins Cornell incubator

RETRN Bio, a startup aspiring to use ag waste to replace petroleum-based plastic liners in consumer products, has joined Cornell’s Center for Life Science Ventures incubator.

Potential microbes and genes that impact forever chemicals identified

A study identifies microbes that potentially play important roles in breaking down harmful PFAS chemicals and points to functional genes that may be involved.

Engineering enzymes to break down microplastics in sewage and wastewater

Food Science Professor Julie Goddard’s research team has engineered unique enzymes to break down microplastics in sewage and wastewater, a major route of microplastic pollution into the environment.

Around Cornell

CROPPS welcomes 2024 REU class

The Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems is welcomes the 2024 cohort of the National Science Foundation-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates program.

Around Cornell

Properly fitting face masks can help block particulate pollution

The new research provides findings about the value of masks that fit snugly around the face in everyday use and how human behavior affects their efficacy.

Ivan Rudik appointed chief environmental economist

Rudik will work in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where he will lead work to connect economic analyses with environmental decision-making.

Economist, EPA adviser to join Brooks School, Atkinson

Sheila Olmstead will be appointed a professor in the Brooks School of Public Policy and a Cornell Atkinson Scholar July 1.

Students help Ithaca building owners see progress on emissions

Since 2016, students have worked to calculate and share the progress of the Ithaca 2030 District, an initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of Ithaca’s commercial buildings.

Southern Tier officials tap Cornell expertise to envision smart cities

Broome County is enlisting the expertise of Cornell researchers and other specialists to implement advanced “smart city” technology, aiming to potentially enhance flood warnings, provide real-time parking updates and optimize waste management.