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.


Bronin confirmed as chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

Appointed by President Biden, Bronin will lead the agency that promotes the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of national historic resources and advises the President and Congress on federal historic preservation policy.

Around Cornell

AI improves detail, estimate of urban air pollution

Using artificial intelligence, Cornell engineers have simplified models that accurately gauge the fine particulate matter in urban air pollution – exhaust from cars and trucks that get into human lungs. 

Ancient farming strategy holds promise for climate resilience

Maslins, or mixtures of grains planted and eaten together, have fed humans for millennia. Now nearly forgotten, they can adapt in real time to unpredictable weather and extreme weather.

Four CCE county offices tapped to lead NYS clean energy work

Four Cornell Cooperative Extension county offices are leading statewide efforts to establish a network of Regional Clean Energy Hubs as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $52 million initiative to connect local communities with clean energy resources.

Broccoli looks more like cauliflower in a warmer world

A new study identifies the genetic underpinnings for why broccoli heads become abnormal when it’s hot, providing insight into effects of climate-induced warming for all crops and pointing the way for breeding heat-resistant new varieties.

Cornell to lead new semiconductor research center

Cornell is leading a new $34 million research center that will accelerate the creation of energy-efficient semiconductor materials and technologies, and develop revolutionary new approaches for microelectronics systems.

Florida Field Course benefits biology students, study finds

Participation in the immersive Florida Field Course led to positive professional outcomes, higher rates of publications, and faculty positions at research institutions, according to a new study from Cornell ecology and evolutionary biology researchers.

Lyrebird vocal diversity reduced in fragmented habitat

The Albert’s lyrebird is a talented mimic, but as its rainforest habitat in Australia shrinks, so does the number of sounds that the bird can produce, degrading lyrebird culture.

Cornell research informs ‘nature finance’ for biodiversity negotiators

Cornell researchers are proposing novel approaches to account for the true value of nature to the global financial bottom line.

Around Cornell