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.


Q&A: What you need to know about reflecting sunlight to cool Earth

As concerns about climate change intensify, researchers are exploring the potential for large-scale human intervention in the Earth’s climate system, a strategy sometimes referred to as geoengineering. Two leading researchers in the area discuss how their research in sunlight reflection methods fits into the bigger picture of potential climate solutions.

Around Cornell

Silver fly takes flight in the fight to save Fall Creek hemlocks

Researchers are hoping a fly no larger than a grain of rice and a predatory beetle may work together to combat an invasive pest that is devastating hemlocks in Fall Creek and throughout eastern North America.

Red algae proteins grafted into tobacco double plant growth

Cornell researchers have successfully transferred key regions of a highly efficient red algae into a tobacco plant to dramatically improve plant productivity and increase carbon sequestration.

Blamed for fouling the environment, polyester may help save it

In a fast-fashion, throw-clothes-away world, textile expert Juan Hinestroza (Human Ecology) and a group of scientists have new ways to recycle wasted polyester into new useful products.

Bumblebee research sparks rapid industry change

A Cornell study that revealed commercial eastern common bumblebee hives pose a threat to their wild counterparts has led one major pollination company to quickly adapt the bumblebee hive boxes they ship to growers.

Cornell to lead concrete decarbonization project

Greeshma Gadikota, associate professor of engineering, has gathered a team to help capture carbon dioxide in the concrete-making process as they aim to create low-carbon construction materials from it.

Students, experts collaborate on global development solutions

The Humphrey PACT Program promotes research collaboration between undergraduates and Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows, midcareer professionals specialized in agriculture, rural development and natural resource management, who spend one year at Cornell for professional development.

Young alums find career support through A&S office

The Arts & Sciences Career Development office has seen an increasing number of young alumni contacting career counselors for help.

Around Cornell

Student veteran celebrates July Fourth as a new citizen

Andy Shin ’23, M.P.A. ’25, gained citizenship in November after 12 years in the U.S.; he'll celebrate his first Independence Day as a citizen with fellow student veterans.