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.


Cornell researchers spur scientists to play bigger role in future Clean-Water policy

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced it would begin repealing former President Trump’s changes to Clean Water Act rules. For two Atkinson Center fellows, the announcement isn’t just something to celebrate; it’s a call to action. 

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CCE tiny house makes powerful energy impact

Part of the Cornell Cooperative Extension(CCE) Tompkins County Get Your Greenbacks program, the PowerHouse helps CCE educators tackle environmental issues and social inequities by making energy savings concepts tangible and easy to understand.

Declining fish biodiversity poses risks for human nutrition

A computer modeling study finds that declining fish biodiversity can affect human nutrition due to varied nutritional benefits between species.

NYC urban design course technology recaptures humanity

Students in a new pilot course on Urban Design Strategies aim to improve livability of four NYC locations with the help of augmented- and virtual-reality.

People prefer ‘natural’ strategies to reduce atmospheric carbon

Research led by Jonathon Schuldt ’04, associate professor of communication, found that a majority of the U.S. public is supportive of soil carbon storage as a climate change mitigation strategy, particularly when it’s viewed as “natural.”

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering launches smart cities concentration

The School of Civil and Environmental Engineering will offer an optional smart cities undergraduate concentration, recognizing the growing ubiquity of sensors, smart devices and real-time data in related fields.

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Break it down: CR0WD task force forges zero waste goals

CR0WD, a Cornell-powered, community-led task force works with New York State communities to promote thoughtful building deconstruction and highlight the environmental, cultural, and, economic value of salvage, reuse, and closed material flows.

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CAU offers online classes with Cornell faculty for adults and youth this summer

Cornell's Adult University invites alumni, their friends and family, and the general public to expand their minds this summer by taking live, online courses for adults and youth taught by Cornell faculty and graduate students. 

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Virtual portal creates access to food security solutions

Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability collaborated with partner organizations to design the Innovative Food System Solution portal, where contributors can describe, connect, and collaborate around innovative solutions for food systems challenges. 

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