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.


Sean and Holly Olson establish a fund as “an investment in the world we want to see”

Holly and Sean Olson have established the Olson Family Strategic Initiatives Fund at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy to help create the world they want to live in.

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Student prods COP27 to include youth in climate solutions

Kehkashan Basu, an MBA student at the Johnson School, hopes to kindle positive global change. She moderated the first roundtable meeting between government officials and youth at COP27.

To prevent the next pandemic, restore wildlife habitats

Preserving and restoring natural habitats could prevent pathogens that originate in wildlife from spilling over into domesticated animals and humans, according to two new companion studies.

Professor tells COP27 to move faster on energy transition

At COP27 meeting in Egypt, Engineering Professor Semida Silveira delivered a United Nations working group statement to accelerate global net-zero carbon emissions principles.

Iceland president: ‘Turn smallness into strength’

Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, president of Iceland, discussed his country’s commitment to peace, diversity and science-based climate solutions during a sold-out lecture held Nov. 10 in Klarman Hall.

Local floodplain home buyouts can inform federal plans

Cornell researchers compared federal floodplain home buyout policies with regional programs, showing that local strategies may make these acquisitions more equitable and effective.

Cornell gives used furniture new life, helps those in need

Since 2018, Denise Hubbard, inventory coordinator for Student and Campus Life, has arranged for the donation of 6,650 items, mostly to local nonprofits, in an effort to reduce waste and help those in need.

Geothermal experts say borehole data shows promise

Nearly 175 community members joined a town forum Nov. 3, held in person and online, to hear updates on the Cornell University Borehole Observatory.

Nexus Scholar applications open for summer 2023

The program matches undergraduate students with summer opportunities to work side by side with faculty from across the college.

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