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Natural Resources and the Environment

Our vision

The section of Natural Resources and the Environment within the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment is a world leader in scholarship addressing social and ecological dimensions of natural resources and the environment to improve environmental sustainability, promote the well-being of communities, and ensure access to sustainable energy and environmental resources.

What we work on

We create knowledge and facilitate learning to improve society’s stewardship of the environment and promote a conservation ethos for a sustainable planet.

People standing in a river spearing fish
Aquatic and Fisheries Ecology and Management
Three researchers with mountains in the background
Climate and Energy
A multi-plot garden with crops and shed in the foreground, with a blue sky and the tops of buildings of New York City off in the distance.
Conservation Social Sciences and Policy
Three researchers look into the distance through binoculars.
International Conservation
Three white terns fly in a group against a bright blue sky.
Terrestrial and Wildlife Ecology and Management

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

We are a diverse community of researchers, educators, students and staff that seek science-based solutions to environmental problems and sustainable natural resource management. In our research, teaching and outreach, we recognize that the acknowledgement and respect of all stakeholders’ perspectives is essential for achieving just and sustainable solutions to today’s environmental problems.

Read more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

News

Leah Crenshaw, pictured here, will continue research that examines how surrounding landscapes influence bird ecology in shade‑grown coffee farms.

News

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.

  • Cornell Atkinson
  • Lab of Ornithology
  • Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment
Close up of a salamander being held in hand

News

Human patrols boost migrating amphibians

Led by two Cornell graduate students, more than 300 volunteers are heading out into the rain on warm spring nights to help migrating salamanders and frogs.

  • Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment
  • Natural Resources and the Environment Section
Illustration of chromosomes

News

Flipped chromosomal segments drive natural selection

Research finds that chromosomal inversions – which occur when a chunk of chromosome containing tens to thousands of genes breaks off, flips and reattaches – help certain species maintain genetic differences adapted to various regions.

  • Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment
  • Natural Resources and the Environment Section
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