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.


Wildfire smoke downwind affects health, wealth and mortality

Smoke particulates from wildfires could lead to between 4,000 and 9,000 premature deaths and cost $36 to $82 billion per year in the U.S., according to research by Cornell and a university in China.

Political philosopher Richard Miller dies at 77

Richard William “Dick” Miller, the Wyn and William Y. Hutchinson Professor in Ethics and Public Life Emeritus in the College of Arts and Sciences, who brought deep moral insight to philosophical theory and matters of social and political justice, died June 9. He was 77.

Polson Institute funds collaborative research in global development

The Polson Institute for Global Development announced its new Spring 2023 grants to support research at the intersection of Global Development’s signature strengths in wellbeing and inclusion; environmental sustainability; and food and nutritional security. 

Around Cornell

Study unveils policy insights for reshoring EV battery production

A new Cornell study examines the long-term energy and sustainability prospects of increasing domestic electric vehicle battery production.

Around Cornell

PALSA Conference: Unleashing Agricultural Research Potential at CHESS

The Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) is set to host the Pan American Light Sources for Agriculture conference (PALSA) July 11-14.  Registration is still open. 

Around Cornell

Metaverse could put a dent in global warming

New Cornell research shows the metaverse – a virtual 3D environment in which the physical and digital worlds converge – could have environmental benefits: lowering the global surface temperature by up to 0.02 degrees Celsius before the end of the century.

John Kingsbury, Shoals Marine Laboratory founder, dies at 94

John Kingsbury, professor emeritus of botany, who developed a small island in the Gulf of Maine into an living classroom for students eager to learn about the sea, died May 27 in Vermont.

Cornellian UN climate authors warn of ‘extreme’ risk to people, food systems

As world governments prepare the first-ever Global Stocktake, assessing whether they are living up to climate targets, Cornellians’ research is playing a critical role. 

Around Cornell

Preventing pandemics by leaving bats undisturbed

Authors from the College of Veterinary Medicine say allowing bats to survive and thrive by letting them exist undisturbed in their habitats can pay other dividends around the world.

Around Cornell