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.


Peatlands’ ‘huge reservoir’ of carbon at risk of release

In a warming climate, extreme drought could trigger a dramatic release of carbon from peatlands, erasing up to 250 years of carbon stores in a matter of months.

New Cornell startup targets faster, cheaper, greener testing

Newly admitted into the Praxis Center business incubator, Quantera aims to improve scientific sample collection. 

Advancing large-scale solar boosts farmland prices

Legislative support for solar projects in New York state has increased the price of farmland near energy infrastructure - and could disincentivize the use of the land for farming. 

Wildfire smoke, regenerative ag: Cornell Atkinson-EDF research aids people and planet

The Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability and long-time collaborator Environmental Defense Fund announce their 2025 awardees for joint research and seek new proposals for 2026 initiatives.

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To prevent rapid sea-level rise, reduce emissions now

The timing of emissions reductions, even more so than the rate of reduction, will be key to avoiding catastrophic thresholds for ice-melt and sea-level rise, according to a new Cornell study.

Finance meets climate at Cornell panel

Finance can bridge the gap between climate science and business decision-making – and communication, innovation and education are critical, according to a panel of experts convened by the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability during Climate Week 2025.

‘Ground truth’: Flood monitoring tool gives NYS residents a voice

The MyCoast New York app has already provided forecasters and emergency managers with a new understanding of flooding around the state, as sea levels rise and storms intensify. 

Cornell CALS welcomes 20 new faculty

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences welcomed 20 new faculty this fall.

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Sustainable practices could cut food-related emissions in half

Food systems make up roughly 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions globally. But transforming them could cut these emissions by more than half, according to a report released Oct. 3 from a commission of global experts.