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 partners on landmark hydrogen emissions study

Cornell researchers partner with EDF and industry to study mitigation strategies that could minimize hydrogen emissions and maximize the climate benefit of a growing hydrogen economy.

Around Cornell

Athletes win collegiate cup to support healthy coral reefs

In the six weeks leading up to Earth Day, more than 200 Cornell student-athletes, coaches and community members exercised not only to strengthen their bodies, but also to restore corals in the South Pacific.

Happy together: Peroxide binds incompatible polymers for recycling

Researchers developed an inexpensive and potentially scalable approach to bind together a pair of popular but incompatible polymers, thereby creating a more useful, high-quality plastic recycling additive.

Study offers insight into balancing climate solutions and crop yields

A computer model analysis showed that global adoption of regenerative farming practices to improve soil health can benefit either greenhouse gas mitigation or crop yields but rarely both.

Refurbished fridges at regional pantries store more fresh food

Two teams of students in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management worked with Whirlpool to place refurbished refrigerators on campus and in high need areas around the region.

Delicious innovation: Students aim to shake up the food system

A large number of student-led startups and fledgling business ventures revolve around improving agriculture and nutrition.

In a first, system uses sunlight to power carbon capture

Inspired by the mechanisms plants use to store carbon, researchers found that sunlight can power the capture and release of carbon dioxide, which could vastly lower costs and net emissions.

Tool predicts impact of wildfire smoke on solar power generation

Cornell researchers created a machine learning-based model that can forecast, with greater accuracy than current methods, the impact severe wildfire conditions will have on solar electricity generation. 

Upcycled grape pomace in chicken feed may improve gut health

Grape pomace, a waste stream from the wine and table grape industry, may improve the gut health of poultry and other animals.