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.


Not all communities benefit equally from pollution mitigation

A recent study by two Cornell associate professors finds that the greatest decreases in pollution levels over the last three decades have been enjoyed by high-income areas.

Cornell water tests safe despite lead controversy nearby

With lead reported in Tompkins County communities and schools, the faculty, students and staff have been asking, 'Is Cornell’s water safe to drink?' Yes, said Chris Bordlemay, the university's water manager.

Team aids mountain societies facing climate change

A team of scientists – led by a Cornell professor of natural resources – will help mountain communities in Asia recalibrate their seasonal-indicator ecological calendars to reckon the effects of climate change.

$24M grant aims to combat global wheat crop threats

A $24 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will expand the scope of a global partnership to combat climate-change-induced heat stress and disease pathogens in crops.

Extension trains students to create climate for change

Two hundred teens and preteens from 16 school districts in southeastern New York learned how to decrease their schools’ environmental impact at the Catskills Youth Climate Change Summit March 11.

Fukushima accident panel discusses safety, energy

On the fifth anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Kiyoshi Kurokawa, the accident’s chief investigator, cited some of the catastrophe's causes: the government's lack of transparency and 'groupthink.'

Disaster expert helps Philippines rethink crisis response

Senior extension associate Keith Tidball was part of a U.S. delegation that is advising the Philippine government on best practices to respond to natural disasters.

New Oneida Lake book sweeps across research panorama

Cornell's Biological Field Station at Shackleton Point has studied all of Oneida Lakes natural dimensions. Now a new book, “Oneida Lake: Long-term Dynamics of a Managed Ecosystem and Its Fishery,” reviews New York's largest interior lake.

Runway role-play becomes a luminous reality

Think “Game of Thrones” meets “Hunger Games.” For the Cornell Fashion Collective (CFC) show on March 12, warriors, rangers and magicians – models draped in LED lights and electroluminescent tape – will role-play on the runway.