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.


Biological engineer Dan Aneshansley dies at 79

Dan Aneshansley, Ph.D. ’72, professor emeritus of biological and environmental engineering, whose research impacted the state’s dairy and fruit production, died July 3. He was 79.

Sustainable preservation certificate launches to address climate concerns

The growth of “green” building and energy efficiency initiatives has been accelerating, but it's not the ideal solution. By reusing the existing built environment, sustainable preservation is an essential tool for meeting climate goals.

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Entomologists seek safer pest management tech for NYS

Specialty crop entomologists from Cornell AgriTech and the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program  will use a three-year, $450,000 grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to evaluate alternatives for controlling insect pests that threaten the state’s $1.4 billion specialty crop industry.

Get off my awn: Cornell Weed Team to compete in Ontario

For the students on the Cornell Weed Team, who face endless marijuana wisecracks from nonscientists, competing in the Northeastern Weed Science Society’s tournament in Guelph is no joke.

Existing fiber-optic cables can monitor whales

A new study demonstrates for the first time that the same undersea fiber-optic cables used for internet and cable television can be repurposed to tune in to marine life at unprecedented scales, potentially transforming critical conservation efforts.

Supercomputer simulates future of snow melt, water

Water resources will fluctuate increasingly and become more and more difficult to predict in snow-dominated regions across the Northern Hemisphere by later this century, according to a new study.

“Startup Cornell” podcast features one-year anniversary special

Hear speakers from the podcast's first year share their top tips.

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Smart thermostats inadvertently strain electric power grids

Smart thermostats may be falling into a dumb trap. While these devices save homeowners money, Cornell engineers found they may be prompting unintentional energy spikes on the grid.

What is a pond? Study provides first data-driven definition

Nearly everyone can identify a pond, but what, exactly, distinguishes it from a lake or a wetland? A new study co-led by Cornell offers the first data-driven, functional definition of a pond and evidence of ponds’ distinct ecological function, which could have broad implications for science and policy.