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.


Limiting lawn management benefits soil ecosystems

Researchers found that less-intense management of turfgrass results in greater abundance and diversity of soil-dwelling organisms.

NBC News’ Anne Thompson named Distinguished Visiting Journalist

Anne Thompson, NBC News’ chief environmental affairs correspondent, has been named the spring 2025 Zubrow Distinguished Visiting Journalist in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Marine herbivores chomp eelgrass, making it susceptible to wasting

Cornell plant and computer science experts joined forces to show how herbivores like sea snails can promote the spread of seagrass wasting disease. Grazing by small herbivores was associated with a 29% increase in the prevalence of disease.

Collaborative reforestation in Malawi supports ag, climate adaptation

Healthy forests can help mitigate extreme weather and improve agricultural production.

Around Cornell

‘Embodied energy’ powers modular worm, jellyfish robots

In the same way that terrestrial life evolved from ocean swimmers to land walkers, soft robots are progressing, too, thanks to recent Cornell research in battery development and design.

Spent brewers’ grain could be big business as chicken feed

The grain could provide a more affordable alternative for the poultry industry, where about three-quarters of costs are tied up in feed. 

Floating solar increases greenhouse gas emissions on small ponds

After installing floating solar panels on small ponds, researchers found that methane and carbon dioxide emissions increased by nearly 27% and dissolved oxygen substantially decreased.

Students can attend hackathons on AI, health, animals and digital ag

Students can apply to take part in one of four hackathons this semester — two on campus and two in New York City.

Around Cornell

Contaminants found in commonly hunted waterfowl

The study found detectable levels of contaminants, including some that may increase cancer risk, in every bird sampled across four states and nine ecological regions.