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.


More damaged trees mean fewer ecosystem benefits for low-income residents

As an undergraduate researcher, Maya Mangala-Munuma '25 found that trees were three times more likely to be damaged in impoverished, racially diverse neighborhoods. 

Light pollution’s ‘transformation of night’ requires prompt action

Science historian Sara B. Pritchard describes a massive spike in the amount of artificial light in the 21st century, with light pollution increasing by nearly 10% annually between 2011 and 2022. 

Fungi nutrient sensing breakthrough may aid green tech, disease control

Fungal diseases can contribute up to 20% of staple crop losses and drug-resistant fungal infections lead to some 3.8 million human deaths, globally per year. 

A&S offers new science, technology and society major

An innovative major in the College of Arts & Sciences is being expanded and refined to highlight its combination of science, social science and the humanities and its relevance to careers today.

Around Cornell

Dyed wool a sustainable water purification alternative

A research team has proven the feasibility of using polydopamine-dyed and ultrablack wool as a low-cost, renewable water-purification method.

Cornell Unplugged encourages mindful tech use, social connection

New event asks the community to decrease technology use, increase face-to-face interaction and consider that every AI chat, doomscroll and text message has a water, energy and carbon footprint. 

Cornellians to address AI, NY energy future at Climate Week NYC

Cornell and global leaders will come together at Climate Week NYC Sept. 20-27 to discuss some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges, including harnessing AI’s power while mitigating its negative impacts.

Environmentalist photographer kicks off A.D. White Professors-at-Large series

James Balog will discuss his work documenting the worldwide rapid retreat of glaciers on Sept. 17 as part of the visiting professors program.

The secret lives of city insects: bringing urban ecology to the community

Doctoral student Sylvana Ross and a team of Cincinnati youths spent their summer studying city-dwelling insects, amassing data that can inform decisions that support healthy green spaces.