Our vision

The Department of Natural Resources 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.

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

We are a diverse department 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

Researchers install installed floating solar panels at the Cornell Experimental Pond Facility in 2023

News

Floating solar increases greenhouse gas emissions on small ponds

After installing floating solar panels on small ponds, researchers found that methane and carbon dioxide emissions increased by nearly 27% and dissolved oxygen substantially decreased.

  • Cornell Atkinson
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Natural Resources and the Environment
Illustration of dogs sniffing near tree with spotted lantern fly on it

News

Growers and conservationists have a new weapon to detect invasive spotted lanternflies early and limit their spread: dogs trained to sniff out egg masses that overwinter in vineyards and forests.

  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  • Animals
  • Entomology
coyote in a field

News

Researchers in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment have developed a new model to understand wildlife interactions. They’ve found that coyote populations in upstate New York may benefit fishers but not American martens.

  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  • Animals
  • Environment