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.


Earth Day talk to inaugurate Trevor Pinch Memorial Lecture series

A lecture featuring sociologist Steven Yearley on carbon sinks and climate policy will launch the Trevor Pinch Memorial Lecture Series on April 22 – Earth Day. 

Around Cornell

Four sperm whale strandings point to potential human causes

The whales that stranded on southeastern U.S. coastlines between 2020-22 were emaciated and malnourished, with ingested fishing gear and marine debris found in two of them. 

Northeast farmers could profit from grass-fed beef if they expand, join forces

A new analysis finds that grass-fed beef can compete with grain-fed beef in New York state and New England, particularly if production is scaled up.

Collaborative exhibits showcase biodiversity

Three new Cornell University Library exhibits explore the beauty and fragility of Earth’s biodiversity in habitats near and far, from elusive species on other continents to wildlife in our own backyards.

Cornell Atkinson research grants support future sustainability leaders

Cornell Atkinson has announced 40 research grants to support undergraduate and graduate student researchers whose work will support sustainability, biodiversity and agriculture. 

Around Cornell

What can individuals do to prevent the next pandemic?

Elisha Frye, D.V.M. ’10, explains how Cornell’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center works at the front lines of detecting and preventing diseases that can jump between animals and humans.

Spring cold snaps harm nesting tree swallows, but some show resilience

Warming temperatures cause tree swallows to nest up earlier than they once did, but early spring cold snaps can hinder nestlings’ growth and survival. 

On storm-ravaged Vieques, a microgrid builds resilience

A small Puerto Rican island still lacks reliable power nine years after Hurricane Maria - a new collaboration with Cornell is bringing relief. 

Nickel catalyst enables high-performance fuel cell free of precious metals

Cornell researchers have developed a non-precious-metal catalyst that represents a major step toward alkaline fuel cells that use inexpensive commodity metals, such as nickel and cobalt, in several energy applications.